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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONG: TO CELIA by PHILOSTRATUS

Poem Explanation

First Line: DRINK TO ME ONLY WITH THINE EYES
Last Line: NOT OF ITSELF BUT THEE!
Subject(s): ADMIRATION; ALCOHOLISM & ALCOHOLICS; LOVE; DRUNKARDS; ALCOHOL ABUSE;
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 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 honoring thee
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,
Not of itself but thee!



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