Sonnet 117: Accuse me thus: that I have scanted all

1Accuse me thus: that I have scanted all,

2Wherein I should your great deserts repay,

3Forgot upon your dearest love to call,

4Whereto all bonds do tie me day by day;

5That I have frequent been with unknown minds,

6And given to time your own dear-purchas'd right;

7That I have hoisted sail to all the winds

8Which should transport me farthest from your sight.

9Book both my wilfulness and errors down,

10And on just proof surmise, accumulate;

11Bring me within the level of your frown,

12But shoot not at me in your waken'd hate;

13 Since my appeal says I did strive to prove

14 The constancy and virtue of your love.