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Home  »  The Poems of John Dryden  »  “Celia, that I once was blest,” from Amphitryon

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!

First to love, and then to leave me.

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:

Once possessing is but tasting;

’Tis no Bliss that is not lasting.

III
Celia now is mine no more;

But I am hers and must adore:

Nor to leave her will endeavour;

Charms, that captiv’d me before,

No Unkindness can dissever;

Love that’s true, is Love for ever.