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.‘

This is a beautiful Shakespearean sonnet. Sonnets are a form of poetry consisting of 14 lines, typically with a specific rhyme scheme. In this particular sonnet, the speaker seems to be making excuses for the slow pace of their journey away from their beloved. They ask why they should hurry away from their lover, as there is no need for haste until they return. The speaker imagines a scenario in which their “poor beast” (likely a metaphor for their body or means of transport) will struggle to keep up with the speed of their desires. Ultimately, the speaker expresses that their love for the beloved is so strong that it will excuse the slow pace of their journey, as they will run towards their beloved and give their “jade” (a term for a worn-out horse) permission to go at its own pace.

The sonnet beautifully captures the theme of love’s ability to transcend physical limitations and the speaker’s willingness to make any sacrifice for the sake of their beloved’s company. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors adds depth and emotion to the poem, making it a powerful expression of love and devotion.