William Shakespeare. 1564–1616

Sonnet LI.

“Thus can my love excuse the slow offence”


THUS can my love excuse the slow offence  
Of my dull bearer when from thee I speed:  
From where thou art why should I haste me thence?  
Till I return, of posting is no need.  
O! what excuse will my poor beast then find,    5
When swift extremity can seem but slow?  
Then should I spur, though mounted on the wind,  
In winged speed no motion shall I know:  
Then can no horse with my desire keep pace;  
Therefore desire, of perfect’st love being made,   10
Shall neigh—no dull flesh—in his fiery race;  
But love, for love, thus shall excuse my jade,—  
  ‘Since from thee going he went wilful-slow,  
  Towards thee I ’ll run, and give him leave to go.’