SONNET #36

by: William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

ET me confess that we two must be twain

Although our individual 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,

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 bewailèd guilt should do thee shame;

Nor thou with public kindness honor me

Unless thou take that honor from thy name:

But do not so; I love thee in such sort

As, thou being mine, mine is thy good report.