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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 honoring 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.

Ben Jonson#29

LoveAffectionConnection

About this quote

What does it mean?
True love values a partner's affection and connection far more than material gifts.
In plain terms
I prefer your eyes and a kiss to wine or fancy gifts.
What can you take from it?
Authentic connection surpasses material value.

Where it applies

  • romantic relationships
  • dating
  • expressing love

Putting it to work

  • value presence over gifts
  • communicate affection
  • focus on connection

Questions to consider

  • What shows love better than words or gifts?
  • How do you express affection?

Another view

It may downplay the role of tangible gestures in relationships.

More from Ben Jonson

  1. Follow a shadow, it still flies you; Seem to fly it, it will pursue: So court a mistress, she denies you; Let her alone, she will court you.

    Permalink to quote #28
  2. Not to know vice at all, and keep true state, Is virtue, and not fate: Next to that virtue is to know vice well, And her black spite expel.

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. Come my Celia, let us prove, While we can, the sports of love; Time will not be ours forever, He at length our good will sever. Spend not then his gifts in vai…

    Permalink to quote #27

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