- Thus 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 winged 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.’