Ben Jonson (1572 - 1637): "Song: To Celia"

Drink to me only with thine eyes,

   And I will pledge with mine;

Or leave a kiss but in the cup,

   And I will not look for wine.

The thirst that from the soul doth rise

  Doth ask a drink divine:

But might I of Jove's nectar sup,

   I would not change for thine.

I sent thee, late, a rosy wreath,

   Not so much honouring thee,

As giving it a hope that there

   It could not withered be.

But thou thereon didst only breathe

   And sent'st back to me,

Since when it grows, and smells, I swear

   Not of itself, but thee.





From "Love Poetry Out Loud"
Edited by Robert Alden Rubin
Published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2007
Love Poetry Out Loud