Richard Lovelace

Richard Lovelace: Poems

In the following section, we will look at some of the famous poems written by Richard Lovelace and the circumstances that inspired them.

Richard Lovelace's 'To Lucasta, Going to the Warres' (1649)

Published in the Lucasta collection, this poem was written when Lovelace was serving in the regiment of Lord Goring and participating in the Bishops' Wars. Although it is possible, it is not known whether or not Lovelace intended to write the poem for a real woman. In the poem, the speaker addresses a woman called 'Lucasta' and expresses profound sadness at the thought of having to leave her and fight a war. This indicates that the poem was from a soldier's perspective and carries a note of chivalry and honour throughout. The poem brings out the theme of love pitted against duty, wherein the speaker argues that he would not be worthy of Lucasta's love if he did not fully commit to his duties in war.

Richard Lovelace's 'To Althea, from Prison' (1642)

Considered Richard Lovelace's most famous poem, 'To Althea, from Prison' was composed in 1642, during the time Lovelace was imprisoned in Gatehouse Prison near Westminster Abbey in London. In the poem, the speaker personifies 'Love' and imagines how Love delivers his beloved Althea to him in his prison. In his imagination, he touches her and hears her lovely voice, and they express their deep, passionate love for each other. In a dramatic change, the speaker then talks about a 'celebration' with his fellow prisoners, where he celebrates still being alive. He remarks that the prison does not feel like a prison to him, for he believes in his cause and that, as long as he has his love, nothing can imprison him. Freedom and love are the key themes of the poem.

Richard Lovelace: other poems

Although this list is by no means comprehensive, other poems by Richard Lovelace include:

• 'A Lady with a Falcon on her Fist. To The Honourable My Cousin Anne Lovelace'
• 'A Fly About a Glass of Burnt Claret'
• 'To Amarantha, That she Would Dishevel her Hair.'

Richard Lovelace's poems have a romantic undertone and often contain themes that hint at his dedication to King Charles I.

Richard Lovelace: a Cavalier poet

Richard Lovelace is one of the most famous Cavalier poets.

The school of Cavalier poets emerged in the 17th century during the reign of King Charles I, particularly during the English Civil War (1642-1651). King Charles I was a patron of a group of poets who produced the kind of poetry he enjoyed. In return for his patronage, and to celebrate their code of chivalry and loyalty towards the English monarchy, Cavalier poets supported King Charles I and his cause. In addition to Richard Lovelace, other Cavalier poets include Sir John Suckling, Robert Herrick, and Thomas Carew.

The term, 'Cavalier', refers to a mounted knight or soldier. Richard Lovelace served in the King's army in the Bishops' Wars. He also, as is typical of Cavalier poets, celebrated honour, loyalty, the monarchy, King Charles I and the life of a knight in his poems. Cavalier poets also wrote about the celebration of life and living it to its fullest, which involved a sense of joie de vivre, camaraderie with fellow men, and an appreciation of beauty (and beautiful women). These themes can often be identified in the poems by Richard Lovelace.