Constancy

By John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester

1647-1680

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
         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
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
         Can never break in vain.

DayPoems Poem No. 407
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/407.html">Constancy by John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester</a>

The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor

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