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Period Prose
Being an authentic poem of the Civil Wars
From Historical Collections

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 Honour more.

Richard Lovelace, 1618-1658