Welcome to Poem of the Day – Song: to Celia by Ben Jonson.
“Song: To Celia” is a poem by Ben Jonson, a prominent English poet and playwright of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The poem, first published in 1616, is one of Jonson’s most famous works and is also known by its opening line, “Drink to me only with thine eyes.” It is often noted for its elegant simplicity and lyrical beauty.
Content
Drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss but in the cup,
And I’ll not look for wine.
The thirst that from the soul doth rise
Doth ask a drink divine;
But might I of Jove’s nectar sup,
I would not change for thine.
I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much honouring thee
As giving it a hope, that there
It could not withered be.
But thou thereon didst only breathe,
And sent’st it back to me;
Since when it grows, and smells, I swear,
Not of itself, but thee.
Song: To Celia Poem Explanation
The poem is a love lyric in which the speaker addresses his beloved, Celia. The speaker begins by requesting that Celia drink to him only with her eyes, rather than with a physical cup. This request reflects the speaker’s desire for a purely emotional and spiritual connection, rather than one based on material or physical pleasures.
The speaker then recounts a previous gift he gave to Celia—a wreath of roses. Despite the fact that Celia did not physically receive or appreciate the gift, the speaker believes that the wreath has been preserved and cherished by her. He poetically suggests that the wreath, though not worn or seen, has become immortalized through Celia’s gaze and affection.
In the final stanza, the speaker compares the gift of his love to the wreath, saying that even if Celia were to reject his love, it would still be as valuable and everlasting as the roses that were never faded by her touch. The poem concludes with a reflection on the eternal nature of true love, suggesting that it transcends physical presence and material objects.
Themes and Analysis
Idealization of Love: The poem emphasizes the idealization of love, focusing on emotional and spiritual connection rather than physical or material aspects. The speaker’s request for Celia to drink to him with her eyes highlights the depth and purity of his feelings, suggesting that true love transcends physical expressions.
The Immortality of Love: The speaker reflects on the idea that love, when genuine, is eternal and immortal. The wreath of roses, though not physically worn by Celia, symbolizes the enduring nature of the speaker’s affection. This theme suggests that true love is not bound by physical presence but is preserved through emotional and spiritual bonds.
Symbolism of the Wreath: The wreath of roses represents both the speaker’s love and the idea of enduring beauty. Although the wreath is not physically present, it is metaphorically immortalized through Celia’s gaze. The roses symbolize the timeless and unchanging nature of true love, even when it is not physically manifested.
Spiritual Connection: The poem underscores the significance of a spiritual connection in romantic relationships. By asking Celia to drink to him with her eyes, the speaker seeks a deeper, more meaningful bond that goes beyond mere physical interaction. This reflects a romantic ideal where emotional and spiritual connections are valued above material or sensory experiences.
Structure and Form
Form: “Song: To Celia” is a lyric poem composed of three quatrains (four-line stanzas). The lyric form allows for an intimate expression of the speaker’s feelings and desires, emphasizing the personal and emotional nature of the poem.
Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme in each quatrain. This regular pattern contributes to the musical quality of the poem and enhances its lyrical beauty.
Meter: The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with each line consisting of four feet, each foot containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This metrical pattern gives the poem a rhythmic and harmonious flow, complementing its lyrical and tender tone.
Tone: The tone of the poem is tender, reflective, and idealistic. The speaker’s request and reflections convey a deep sense of affection and reverence for Celia, as well as a belief in the transcendence of true love.
Significance
“Song: To Celia” by Ben Jonson is a poignant and lyrical expression of idealized love and spiritual connection. Through its elegant form, consistent rhyme scheme, and reflective tone, the poem captures the essence of romantic affection as something that transcends physical and material boundaries. The symbolism of the wreath of roses and the speaker’s request for an emotional bond highlight the eternal and enduring nature of true love, making the poem a timeless reflection on the beauty and depth of romantic relationships.