When I think of "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes", I think of it as the title of a poem. But the actual title of Ben Jonson's (1572-1637) poem is "Song - To Celia" written in 1616.
But I also hear those first two lines as part of a song. But who by? Perhaps Johnny Cash's version recorded in 2006?
Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes
(Johnny Cash lyrics)
The reason I wanna sing this next songIs because it has so many, and such a strong memories for meI can see me when I was 17 years oldStanding in the end of the Dyess high school gymnasiumAt a senior class graduation, I was a junior at the timeThe next year I graduatedBut I was a junior and they called on me to sing a specialThey called it for the graduation, for the commencement exercises, soI'm sorry, but I don't remember my piano player's nameIt was a school teacher, she played a piano and I sang this song
This is... I guess this is when I was looking for myselfBut I never forgot itBecause it was one of my first public singing occasionsAnd I've sang this song mainly to myselfEver since I was 17 years old because of those memoriesI suppose this song is ElizabethanThe words sound like King James version of the Bible....
Drink to me only with thine eyesAnd I will pledge with mineOr leave a kiss within the cupAnd I'll not ask for wine
A thirst that from the soul doth riseDoth ask a drink divineBut might I of Jove's nectar sipI would not change for thine
I sent thee late a rosy wreathNot so much hon'ring theeAs giving it a hope that thereIt could not withered be
But thou thereon did'st only breatheAnd sent'st it back to meSince when it grows and smells, I swearNot of itself, but thee
Drink to me only with thine eyesAnd I will pledge with mineOr leave a kiss within the cupAnd I'll not ask for wine
The thirst that from the soul doth riseDoth ask a drink divineBut might I of Jove's nectar sipI would not change for thine
I always have liked songs that tell a story.
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