The Mind

Sonnet 117

by William Shakespeare 1564-1616

The Mind

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.

MLA

Shakespeare, William. “Sonnet 117.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shakespeare/116/.

Chicago

Shakespeare, William. “Sonnet 117.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shakespeare/116/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by William Shakespeare