Shakespeare's Sonnets: Accuse me thus, that I have scanted all

Shakespeare's Sonnets: Accuse me thus, that I have scanted all

Sonnet 117

Original Text

SHAKE-SPEARES SONNETS (London: G. Eld for T. T. and sold by William Aspley, 1609): h1r.

1Accuse me thus, that I have scanted all
2Wherein I should your great deserts repay,
3Forgot upon your dearest love to call
4Whereto all bonds do tie me day by day,
5That I have frequent been with unknown minds
6And giv'n to time your own dear purchas'd right,
7That I have hoisted sail to all the winds
8Which should transport me farthest from your sight.
9Book both my wilfulness and errors down
10And on just proof surmise, accumulate,
11Bring me within the level of your frown,
12But shoot not at me in your wakened hate
13    Since my appeal says I did strive to prove
14    The constancy and virtue of your love.

Notes

1] scanted] neglected. Back to Line
5] frequent ... with] often in company with. Back to Line
6] giv'n] giuen Q. Shakespeare gives his company and life to time rather than to the beloved. Back to Line
11] level] aim. Back to Line
13] appeal] plea. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1609
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2008
Rhyme
ababcdcdefefgg
Form
sonnet