Richard Lovelace[1618-1658]To LUCASTA, ON GOING TO THE WARS
¶TELL me not, Sweet, I am unkindThat from the nunneryOf thy chaste breast and quiet mind,To war and arms I fly.[355]True, a new mistress now I chase,The first foe in the field;And with a stronger faith embraceA sword, a horse, a shield.
¶Yet this inconstancy is suchAs you too shall adore;I could not love thee, Dear, so much,Loved I not Honour more.
¶2j8 To Althea from PrisonWhen Love with unconfined wingsHovers within my gates.And my divine Althea bringsTo whisper at the grates;When I lie tangled in her hairAnd fetter'd to her eye.The birds that wanton in the airKnow no such liberty.
¶When flowing cups run swiftly roundWith no allaying Thames,Our careless heads with roses crown'd,Our hearts with loyal flames;When thirsty grief in wine we steep.When healths and draughts go free—Fishes that tipple in the deepKnow no such liberty.
¶When, linnet-like confined IWith shriller throat shall singThe sweetness, mercy, majestyAnd glories of my King;When I shall voice aloud how goodHe is, how great should be,Enlarged winds, that curl the flood.Know no such liberty.
¶Stone walls do not a prison make,Nor iron bars a cage;[356]Minds innocent and quiet takeThat for an hermitage;If I have freedom in my loveAnd in my soul am free,Angels alone, that soar above.Enjoy such liberty.
¶3JP To LucASTA, Going Beyond the SeasIf to be absent were to beAway from thee;Or that when I am goneYou or I were alone;Then, my Lucasta, might I cravePity from blustering wind, or swallowing wave.
¶But I'll not sigh one blast or galeTo swell my sail,Or pay a tear to 'suageThe foaming blue god's rage;For whether he will let me passOr no, I'm still as happy as I was.
¶Though seas and land betwixt us both.Our faith and troth,Like separated souls,All time and space controls:Above the highest sphere we meetUnseen, unknown, and greet as Angels greet.
¶So then we do anticipateOur after-fate,And are alive i' the skies.If thus our lips and eyesCan speak like spirits unconfinedIn Heaven, their earthly bodies left behind.