Constancy
by John Wilmot

John Wilmot's body of work includes; Poems on Several Occasions (1680), Corydon and Cloris: or The Wanton Shepherdess (1676), A Very Heroical Epistle From Artemisia in the Town to Chloe in the Country (1679), Upon Nothing (1679) and A Satyr Against Reason and Mankind (1679). There is much controversy over his talent as some critics see his popularity being due to his sexual openness and sharp tongue. Others regard him as one of the last important metaphysical poets, a group that included John Donne, George Herbert and Richard Crashaw.

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Constancy
by John Wilmot

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
A surer way I'll try,
And to revenge my slighted love
Will still love on, will still love on, and die!

When killed 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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Constancy by John Wilmot