| John Dryden (1631–1700). The Poems of John Dryden. 1913. | | | | Songs from the Plays | | “Celia, that I once was blest,” from Amphitryon |
| | I 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! | 5 |
| First to love, and then to leave me. | |
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II 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: | 10 |
| Once possessing is but tasting; | |
| ’Tis no Bliss that is not lasting. | |
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III Celia now is mine no more; | |
| But I am hers and must adore: | |
| Nor to leave her will endeavour; | 15 |
| Charms, that captiv’d me before, | |
| No Unkindness can dissever; | |
| Love that’s true, is Love for ever. | | | | |
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