Sonnet Cxvii

William Shakespeare

     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-purchased 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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