To Lucasta, Going to the Wars

Richard Lovelace

Edited by Jack Lynch

The copy-text is Lucasta (London, 1649).


Song.
Set by Mr. John Laniere.
To Lucasta,
Going to the Warres.

I.

Tell me not (Sweet) I am unkinde,
    That from the Nunnerie
Of thy chaste breast, and quiet mind,
    To Warre and Armes I flie.

II.

True; a new Mistresse now I chase, [5]
    The first Foe in the Field;
And with a stronger Faith embrace
    A Sword, a Horse, a Shield.

III.

Yet this Inconstancy is such,
    As you too shall adore; [10]
I could not love thee (Deare) so much,
    Lov’d I not Honour more.