Drink to me only with thine eyes

Definition

'Drink to me only with thine eyes' is a famous line from the poem 'To Celia' by Ben Jonson, which epitomizes the themes of love, longing, and the power of physical beauty in Cavalier poetry. This phrase suggests that love can be expressed through mere gazes rather than physical contact, highlighting the emotional connection and idealization often present in this genre. The line also captures the hedonistic spirit of Cavalier poets, who celebrated sensual pleasures and romantic pursuits in their works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Drink to me only with thine eyes' reflects the idealistic view of love where emotional connection outweighs physical interaction.
2. The phrase indicates how Cavalier poets valued beauty and charm, showcasing a playful yet profound approach to romantic relationships.
3. Ben Jonson's poem contrasts with Puritan ideals, emphasizing sensual enjoyment and appreciation of beauty over restraint.
4. The use of metaphor in this line allows for deeper interpretations about longing, desire, and the nature of love beyond physicality.
5. This line has influenced later poetry and literature, symbolizing romantic longing that resonates through various artistic expressions.

Review Questions

• How does the phrase 'drink to me only with thine eyes' encapsulate the themes present in Cavalier poetry?
  • 'Drink to me only with thine eyes' captures the essence of Cavalier poetry by emphasizing emotional connection over physical intimacy. This reflects the genre's focus on romantic idealization, where love is celebrated not just through actions but through deep appreciation for beauty. Cavalier poets often viewed love as an art form, where gazes could convey more profound sentiments than mere words or gestures.
• Discuss how Ben Jonson's use of imagery in 'To Celia' contributes to the overall message of the poem and its relation to Cavalier ideals.
  • 'To Celia' employs vivid imagery to illustrate the beauty of its subject while intertwining themes of longing and desire. By inviting the beloved to be admired rather than physically engaged with, Jonson highlights the notion that true affection can thrive without immediate gratification. This resonates with Cavalier ideals that celebrate aesthetic appreciation and the fleeting nature of life’s pleasures, urging readers to savor beauty in any form.
• Evaluate how 'Drink to me only with thine eyes' reflects broader cultural attitudes towards love and romance during the 17th century.
  • 'Drink to me only with thine eyes' mirrors the cultural shift towards valuing romantic expression and individual desire in the 17th century, particularly among Cavalier poets. This period saw a move away from strict Puritanical views towards a more liberated understanding of love as an art form. The line suggests that emotional resonance was prioritized over societal expectations of courtship, promoting a philosophy that encouraged personal connection and celebration of beauty—a reflection of changing social norms and values around relationships during this time.

Related terms

Cavalier Poets: 'Cavalier Poets' refers to a group of English poets from the 17th century who wrote in a style that celebrated elegance, love, and loyalty to the monarchy during the English Civil War period.

Carpe Diem: 'Carpe Diem' is a Latin phrase meaning 'seize the day,' a common theme in Cavalier poetry encouraging readers to embrace life's pleasures and live in the moment.

Lyric Poetry: 'Lyric poetry' is a type of emotional verse that expresses personal feelings and thoughts, often focusing on themes like love and beauty, characteristic of much Cavalier work.