to lucasta, on going to the wars
by 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,
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;
I could not love thee, dear, so much,
Loved I not honor more.
|