| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. 1647–1680 |
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| 415. Constancy |
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| 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. | |
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| 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. | |
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