Contents
-BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
William Shakespeare (1564–1616). The Oxford Shakespeare: Poems. 1914.
“Thus can my love excuse the slow offence”
Sonnet LI
THUS can my love excuse the slow offence |
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Of my dull bearer when from thee I speed: |
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From where thou art why should I haste me thence? |
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Till I return, of posting is no need. |
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O! what excuse will my poor beast then find, |
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When swift extremity can seem but slow? |
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Then should I spur, though mounted on the wind, |
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In winged speed no motion shall I know: |
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Then can no horse with my desire keep pace; |
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Therefore desire, of perfect’st love being made, |
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Shall neigh—no dull flesh—in his fiery race; |
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But love, for love, thus shall excuse my jade,— |
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‘Since from thee going he went wilful-slow, |
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Towards thee I ’ll run, and give him leave to go.’ |
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