Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes

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Drink to me only with thine eyes

Author: Ben Jonson
Tune: [I heard the voice of Jesus say] (Old English)
Published in 4 hymnals

Representative Text

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 thereon didst only breathe,
And sent'st it back to me,
Since when it grows and smells, I swear,
Not of itself but thee.

Source: Seth Parker's Hymnal #192

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Author: Ben Jonson

Jonson, Benjamin, commonly known as Ben Jonson, the son of a clergyman, was born at Westminster in 1573, and educated at Westminster School, and St. John's, Cambridge. He died in London, Aug. 6, 1637. His history and dramatic abilities are well known to all students of English literature. He is known in association with hymnody mainly through his carol, "I sing the birth—was born tonight," which is still in use. It is given in his Underwoods in the 2nd vol. (folio) of his Works, 1640, and entitled "A Hymn on the Nativity of my Saviour." Two additional hymns therein, "The sinner's sacrifice" and "A Hymn to God the Father," have much merit, but are unsuited for congregational use. His Works have been edited by Gifford, and more recently by… Go to person page >

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