237. To Lucasta, on Going to the Wars. Richard Lovelace. 1909-14. English Poetry I: From Chaucer to Gray. The Harvard Classics

English Poetry I: From Chaucer to Gray.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

237. To Lucasta, on Going to the Wars

Richard Lovelace (1618–1658)


TELL me not, Sweet, I am unkind
That from the nunnery
Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind,
To war and arms I fly.

True, a new mistress now I chase,	5
The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.

Yet this inconstancy is such
As you too shall adore;	10
I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
Loved I not Honour more.