Constancy

Constancy

By John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester 1647–1680 John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester
         I cannot change, as others do,
         Though you unjustly scorn;
      Since that poor swain, that sighs for you
         For you alone was born.
      No, Phyllis, no, your heart to move
         A surer way I’ll try:
      And to revenge my slighted love,
Will still love on, 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, can never break in vain.
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Poet John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester 1647–1680

POET’S REGION England

SCHOOL / PERIOD 17th Century

Subjects Relationships, Living, Love, Separation & Divorce, Men & Women, Infatuation & Crushes, Unrequited Love

Poetic Terms Rhymed Stanza

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Biography

John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester and Baron of Adderbury in England, Viscount Athlone in Ireland, infamous in his time for his life and works and admired for his deathbed performance, was the cynosure of the libertine wits of Restoration England. He was anathematized as evil incarnate and simultaneously adored for his seraphic presence, beauty, and wit, even from his first appearance at the court of Charles II. This . . .

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Poems by John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester

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SUBJECT Relationships, Living, Love, Separation & Divorce, Men & Women, Infatuation & Crushes, Unrequited Love

POET’S REGION England

SCHOOL / PERIOD 17th Century

Poetic Terms Rhymed Stanza

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Originally appeared in Poetry magazine.

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