B Johnson read by Classic Poetry Aloud:
http://www.classicpoetryaloud.com/
Giving voice to classic poetry.
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To Celia
by Ben Johnson (1572 – 1637)
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 honouring thee
As giving it a hope that there
It could not wither'd 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!
First aired: 08 October, 2007
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Reading © Classic Poetry Aloud 2008
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