Shakespeare's Sonnets: Thus can my love excuse the slow offence

Shakespeare's Sonnets: Thus can my love excuse the slow offence

Sonnet 51

Original Text
SHAKE-SPEARES SONNETS (London: G. Eld for T. T. and sold by William Aspley, 1609): d3v.
1Thus can my love excuse the slow offence
2Of my dull bearer, when from thee I speed.
3From where thou art, why should I haste me thence?
4Till I return, of posting is no need.
5O what excuse will my poor beast then find
6When swift extremity can seem but slow?
7Then should I spur, though mounted on the wind,
8In wingèd speed no motion shall I know;
9Then can no horse with my desire keep pace,
10Therefore desire (of perfect'st love being made)
11Shall neigh no dull flesh in his fiery race,
12But love, for love, thus shall excuse my jade,
13    Since from thee going he went wilful slow,
14    Towards thee I'll run and give him leave to go.

Notes

4] posting] travelling quickly. Back to Line
5] then] when the speaker returns to the friend. Back to Line
10] perfect'st] Capell; perfects Q. Back to Line
11] neigh no dull flesh] not neigh as a dull beast. Back to Line
12] jade] worn-down horse. Back to Line
14] go] walk. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1609
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2008
Rhyme
ababcdcdefefgg
Form
sonnet