In my latest novel, Radwinter, accusations fly, but the hero, Thomas, keeps his suspicions to himself, and in many ways from himself. This is another of Shakespeare’s sonnets which i don’t know as well as it deserves… so I am going to spend some little time reading and enjoying it.
Sonnet CXVII
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 wakened hate;
Since my appeal says I did strive to prove
The constancy and virtue of your love.William Shakespeare
Lois Elsden 