Shakespeare's Sonnet 36

Let me confess that we two must be twain,Although our undivided 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 bewailed guilt should do thee shame,Nor thou with public kindness honour me,Unless thou take that honour from thy name:But do not so, I love thee in such sort,As thou being mine, mine is thy good report.

Let me admit that we must live apart, although our inseparable loves are one. That way, I alone will bear the stains that remain on me, without your help. Our two loves have just one purpose, though a cruel force in our lives keeps us separate. It does not change our love's single aim, but it steals sweet hours from love's pleasure. I can never again acknowledge you openly, for fear that the guilt I mourn would bring you shame. Nor can you honor me with public kindness without taking that honor away from your own name. But do not do that. I love you in such a way that, since you are mine, your good reputation is mine as well.