Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. 16471680415. Constancy
I CANNOT change as others do, | |
Though you unjustly scorn; | |
Since that poor swain that sighs for you | |
For you alone was born. | |
No, Phillis, no; your heart to move | 5 |
A surer way I’ll try; | |
And, to revenge my slighted love, | |
Will still love on and die. | |
When kill’d with grief Amyntas lies, | |
And you to mind shall call | 10 |
The sighs that now unpitied rise, | |
The tears that vainly fall— | |
That welcome hour, that ends this smart, | |
Will then begin your pain; | |
For such a faithful tender heart | 15 |
Can never break in vain. |