To Lucasta, on Going to the Wars. Richard Lovelace (1618-1658). II. Parting and Absence. Bliss Carman, et al., eds. 1904. The World's Best Poetry. III. Sorrow and Consolation

Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume III. Sorrow and Consolation. 1904.

II. Parting and Absence

To Lucasta, on Going to the Wars

Richard Lovelace (1618–1658)


TELL me not, sweet, I am unkinde,
That from the nunnerie
Of thy chaste breast and quiet minde,
To warre and armes I flee.

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

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