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ReadingWillow structured literacy program for Australian students

Sonnet 51: Thus can my love excuse the slow offence

William Shakespeare·1564–1616
Lines:14Movement:English Renaissance
Thus can my love excuse the slow offenceOf 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,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,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.'