Sonnet 39 (Shakespeare)

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) Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.