To Lucasta, going to the Wars by Richard Lovelace
I just watched Gods and Generals (again), and this poem was quoted therein by Fanny Chamberlain, wife of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.
To Lucasta, going to the Wars
By Richard Lovelace
Tell me not, Sweet, I am unkind,
That from the nunnery
Of thy chaste breasts, 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 honour more.
