Sonnet 51: Thus Can My Love Excuse the Slow Offence
Sonnet 51: Thus Can My Love Excuse the Slow Offence - form Summary
Sonnet Structure and Volta
This poem is a Shakespearean sonnet that uses the sonnet’s three quatrains and final couplet to stage a single conceit: the speaker’s desire compared to an unruly mount. Each quatrain escalates the metaphor—excuses for slowness, impossible speed, and rivalry between horse and desire—while the closing couplet delivers a pragmatic turn: the speaker will run back and let the horse go. The form organizes argument and delivers the rhetorical turn.
Read Complete AnalysesThus can my love excuse the slow offence Of 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 wingèd 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.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.