To Althea from Prison

When Love with unconfined wings
Hovers within my gates,
And my divine Althea brings
To whisper at the grates;
When I lie tangled in her hair
And fetter'd to her eye,
The birds that wanton in the air
Know no such liberty.

When flowing cups run swiftly round
With no allaying Thames,
Our careless heads with roses crown'd,
Our Hearts with loyal flames;
When thirsty grief in wine we steep,
When healths and drafts go free,
Fished that tipple in the deep
Know no such liberty.

When, like committed linnets, I
With shriller voice shall sing
The Sweetness, mercy, majesty
And glories of my King;
When I shall voice aloud, how good,
He is, how great should be,
Enlarged 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 a hermitage;
If I have freedom in my love
And in my soul am free.
Angels alone, that soar above,
Enjoy such liberty.

Written by,

Richard Lovelace