John Wilmot, earl of Rochester (1647-1680)
Constancy
1 I cannot change, as others do,
2 Though you unjustly scorn;
3 Since that poor swain, that sighs for you
4 For you alone was born.
5 No, Phyllis, no, your heart to move
6 A surer way I'll try:
7 And to revenge my slighted love,
8Will still love on, will still love on, and die.
9 When, kill'd with grief, Amyntas lies;
10 And you to mind shall call
11 The sighs that now unpitied rise;
12 The tears that vainly fall:
13 That welcome hour that ends this smart,
14 Will then begin your pain;
15 For such a faithful, tender heart
16Can never break, can never break in vain.
Online text copyright © 2009, Ian Lancashire (the Department of English) and the University of Toronto.
Published by the Web Development Group, Information Technology Services, University of Toronto Libraries.
Original text: John Wilmot, earl of Rochester, Poems on Several Occasions. 1680, facs. edn. (Menston: Scolar Press, 1971). PR 3669 R2 1680AB ROBA.
First publication date:
1680
RPO poem editor: N. J. Endicott
RP edition: 2RP 1.519.
Recent editing: 2:2002/1/30
Rhyme: ababcdcd
Other poems by John Wilmot, earl of Rochester
