Jonson, Ben. To Celia

Ben Jonson (1573–1637)

To Celia 1616

Drink to me only with thine eyes,

And I will pledge with mine;

Or leave a kiss but in the cup,

And I’ll not ask for wine.

The thirst that from the soul doth rise 5

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 honoring thee 10

As giving it a hope that there

It could not withered be.

But thou thereon didst only breathe,

And sent’st it back to me;

Since when it grows, and smells, I swear, 15

Not of itself but thee.