To Althea, from Prison
Richard Lovelace, 1649
Lovelace’s song written in prison, where he was held for presenting a petition to Parliament, declaring that stone walls do not make a prison for a free mind.
I
When love with unconfined wingsHovers within my gates;And my divine Althea bringsTo whisper at the grates;When I lye tangled in her haire,And fetterd to her eye,The birds, that wanton in the aire,Know no such liberty.
II
When flowing cups run swiftly roundWith no allaying Thames,Our carelesse heads with roses bound,Our hearts with loyal flames;When thirsty griefe in wine we steepe,When healths and draughts go free,Fishes, that tipple in the deepe,Know no such libertie.
III
When (like committed linnets) IWith shriller throat shall singThe sweetnes, mercy, majesty,And glories of my King.When I shall voyce aloud, how goodHe is, how great should be,Inlarged winds, that curle the flood,Know no such liberty.
IV
Stone walls doe not a prison make,Nor iron bars a cage;Mindes innocent and quiet takeThat for an hermitage;If I have freedome in my love,And in my soule am free,Angels alone that sore aboveEnjoy such liberty.