William Shakespeare
1564-1616
Sonnet CXVII
Accuse me
thus: that I have scanted all,
Wherein I should your
great deserts repay,
Forgot upon your dearest
love to call,
Whereto all bonds
do tie me day by day;
That I have frequent
been with unknown minds,
And given to time
your own dear-purchas'd right;
That I have hoisted
sail to all the winds
Which should transport
me farthest from your sight.
Book both my wilfulness
and errors down,
And on just proof
surmise, accumulate;
Bring me within the
level of your frown,
But shoot not at me
in your waken'd hate;
Since my appeal says I did strive to prove
The constancy and virtue of your love.
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