“Celia, that I once was blest,” from Amphitryon

Celia, that I once was blest

Is now the Torment of my Brest;

Since to curse me, you bereave me

Of the Pleasures I possest:

Cruel Creature, to deceive me!

First to love, and then to leave me.

Had you the Bliss refus’d to grant,

Then I had never known the want:

But possessing once the Blessing,

Is the Cause of my Complaint:

Once possessing is but tasting;

’Tis no Bliss that is not lasting.

III

Celia now is mine no more;

But I am hers and must adore:

Nor to leave her will endeavour;

Charms, that captiv’d me before,

No Unkindness can dissever;

Love that’s true, is Love for ever.