Delia: Sonnet 51

AS to the Roman that would free his Land,
His error was his honour and renowne:
And more the fame of his mistaking hand,
Then if he had the Tyrant ouer-throwne.
So DELIA hath mine errour made me knowne.
And my deceiu'd attempt, deseru'd more fame,
Then if I had the victory mine owne:
And thy hard hart had yeelded vp the same.
And so likewise, renowmed is thy blame,
Thy crueltie, thy glorie; ô strange case,
That errours should be grac'd that merrite shame,
And sinne of frownes bring honor to the face.
Yet happy DELIA that thou wast vnkind,
But happier yet, if thou wouldst change thy minde.