To Althea from Prison

When Love with unconfinèd wings Hovers within my gates, And by divine Althea brings To whisper at my grates; When I lie tangled in her hair And fettered with her eye, The birds that wanton in the air Know no such liberty. When flowing cups pass swiftly round With no allaying Thames, Our careless heads with roses crowned, Our hearts with loyal flames; When thirsty grief in wine we steep, When healths and draughts go free, Fishes that tipple in the deep Know no such liberty. When, like committed linnets, I With shriller throat shall sing The mercy, sweetness, majesty And glories of my King; When I shall voice aloud, how good He is, how great should be, Enlargèd winds that curl the flood Know no such liberty. Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage; Minds innocent and quiet take That for an hermitage: If I have freedom in my love, And in my soul am free, Angels alone, that soar above, Enjoy such liberty.

Collection: 
English
1637
Richard Lovelace
Sub Title: 
II. Freedom

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