I could not love thee...

Posted by Smokey Stover on June 22, 2007

In Reply to: I could not love thee... posted by Bob on June 22, 2007

: : I could not love thee half so well if I loved not honor more.

: : Supposedly a phrase from Richard Lovelace. And the meaning is?

:
: Well, yes, it's Lovelace, but the wording's been butchered. Try:

: To Lucasta, Going to the Wars

:
: TELL me not, sweet, I am unkind
: That from nunnery
: Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind,
: To war and arms I fly.

: True, a mew 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 honor more.
: Richard Lovelace

: It's pretty straightforward once you get the words right. Right?

Speaking of the butcher: what happened to "THE nunnery"; and "mew mistress"? Well, I feel lucky if I make no more than five typos per post, so you pass. So Richard has joined the army, and Lucasta is left to pine. Is it possible that Richard is glad to get away from Lucasta, and is making the best excuse of all, love of country over selfish private amour. No matter, great poetry.
SS

• I could not love thee... Bob 22/June/07