Shakespeare explores paradox again :)

Okay, Sonnet 42, second instalment for the day  J

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XLII

  That thou hast her it is not all my grief,

  And yet it may be said I loved her dearly;

  That she hath thee is of my wailing chief,

  A loss in love that touches me more nearly.

  Loving offenders thus I will excuse ye:

  Thou dost love her, because thou know'st I love her;

  And for my sake even so doth she abuse me,

  Suffering my friend for my sake to approve her.

  If I lose thee, my loss is my love's gain,

  And losing her, my friend hath found that loss;

  Both find each other, and I lose both twain,

  And both for my sake lay on me this cross:

    But here's the joy; my friend and I are one;

    Sweet flattery! then she loves but me alone.

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The possibilities of paradox in the hands of a master!!  J  The volta’s the but at the beginning of the closing couplet.  More tomorrow morning—