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?
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,
13    Since from thee going he went wilful slow,

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
Form