A Sonnet (or short poem) from a collection written by William Shakespeare, published in 1609. 

#39

Synopsis:

As in s. 36, the poet finds reasons to excuse the fact that he and the beloved are parted. First, it is easier to praise the beloved if they are not a “single one”; and, second, absence from the beloved gives the poet leisure to contemplate their love.

O, how thy worth with manners may I sing

When thou art all the better part of me?

What can mine own praise to mine own self bring,

And what is ’t but mine own when I praise thee?

Even for this let us divided live

And our dear love lose name of single one,

That by this separation I may give

That due to thee which thou deserv’st alone.

O absence, what a torment wouldst thou prove

Were it not thy sour leisure gave sweet leave

To entertain the time with thoughts of love,

Which time and thoughts so sweetly doth deceive,

 And that thou teachest how to make one twain

 By praising him here who doth hence remain.

(Project Gutenberg, Public Domain)

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