William Shakespeare. 1564–1616

Sonnet XXXVI.

“Let me confess that we two must be twain”


LET me confess that we two must be twain  
Although our undivided loves are one:  
So shall those blots that do with me remain,  
Without thy help, by me be borne alone.  
In our two loves there is but one respect,    5
Though in our lives a separable spite,  
Which, though it alter not love’s sole effect,  
Yet doth it steal sweet hours from love’s delight.  
I may not evermore acknowledge thee,  
Lest my bewailed guilt should do thee shame,   10
Nor thou with public kindness honour me,  
Unless thou take that honour from thy name:  
  But do not so; I love thee in such sort  
  As thou being mine, mine is thy good report.