Sonnet 51
Love from Afar
- 1 Thus can my love excuse the slow offence
- 2 Of my dull bearer when from thee I speed:
- 3 From where thou art why should I haste me thence?
- 4 Till I return, of posting is no need.
- 5 O! what excuse will my poor beast then find,
- 6 When swift extremity can seem but slow?
- 7 Then should I spur, though mounted on the wind,
- 8 In winged speed n: motion shall I know,
- 9 Then can no horse with my desire keep pace;
- 10 Therefore desire, of perfect'st love being made,
- 11 Shall neigh—no dull flesh—in his fiery race;
- 12 But 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.'