Sonnet LVI: As to the Roman

As to the Roman that would free his land,

His error was his honor and renown

And more the fame of his mistaking hand

Than if he had the tyrant overthrown,

So, Delia, hath mine error made me known,

And deceiv'd attempt deserv'd more fame

Than if I had the victory mine own,

And thy hard heart had yielded up the same.

And so, likewise, renowned is thy blame,

Thy cruelty, thy glory; O strange case,

That errors should be grac'd that merit shame

And sin of frowns bring honor to thy face.

Yet happy, Delia, that thou wast unkind,

But happier yet, if thou wouldst change thy mind.