Bob's Byway

RICHARD LOVELACE

1618 - 1658




TO LUCASTA, GOING TO THE WARS

 * This poem provides an example of a paradox.
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,
    The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith embrace
    A sword, a horse, a shield.

To Paradox in the Glossary
Alphabetic Page Version Entire Glossary Version
Yet this inconstancy is such
    As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
    Loved I not Honour more.