Old English Air

by Ben Jonson

1. Drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss within the cup,
And I'll not ask for wine;
The thirst that from the soul doth rise,
Doth ask a drink divine;
But might I of Jove's nectar sip,
I would not change for thine.

2. I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much hon'ring thee
As giving it a hope that there
It could not withered be;
But thou there on didst only breathe,
And sent'st it back to me,
Since when it grows and smells, I swear,
Not of itself but thee.

Source: Sing Sociability Songs Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Co. 1926

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