Shakespeare's Sonnets Navigator Summary of Sonnet 51 in the Table of Contents Notes for Sonnet 51

Shakespeare's Sonnet 51


  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 no 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.
" In winged speed no motion shall I know"

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