Sonnet 51

1. Thus can my love excuse the slow offence,

2. Of my dull bearer when from thee I speed,

3. From where thou art why should I haste me thence,

4. Till I return, of posting is no need.

5. O, what excuse will my poor beast then find,

6. When swift extremity can seem but slow,

7. Then should I spur, though mounted on the wind,

8. In winged speed no motion shall I know,

9. Then can no horse with my desire keep pace,

10. Therefore desire (of perfect'st love being made)

11. Shall neigh no dull flesh in his fiery race,

12. But love, for love, thus shall excuse my jade,

13. Since from thee going he went wilful-slow,

14. Towards thee I'll run, and give him leave to go.

For Love

Dedication: To Elizabeth

From a lover of horses, a verse that gives the horse anthropomorphic understanding and of his love and the sadness expressed in journeying from Elizabeth as opposed to her.

1st Quatrain: (1-4)

Reflecting on the slow pace of his steed as travels from Elizabeth. Commenting that there is no need for speed till he is on the return trip.

2nd Quatrain: (5-8)

Suggesting then at time of return there won't be enough speed possible and it will only seem as if he is standing still.

3rd Quatrain: (9-12)

Asking her then to excuse his poor horse.

couplet (13-14),

Repeating the thought. A completely uninteresting poem other than a suggestion that perhaps there was something of a reunion or else this sonnet is in no particular order and somehow found its way here.


Commentary:

This travel sonnet is likely metaphorical reference to Oxford’s decision to move to his house in Hackney, which he undertook some time in the in early 1590’s. It likely forms a pair with sonnet 50.

Long recognized as part of a short sequence (two) sonnets regarding traveling from his love. This sonnet I argue is to Elizabeth because as the couplet demonstrated he travels to her and thus argues for his loyalty to her and he’s letting go of his wish for Henry. This I imagine is a ploy to win her affection with the thought that he is giving up on his wish for Henry. At least that is the most reasonable assumption given what we’ll see is the ever increasing call to recognize Henry before it is too late.