1649 TO ALTHEA FROM PRISON by Richard Lovelace şiElectronically Enhanced Text (c) Copyright 1996, World Library(R) DAK Upgraded Edition, Copyright 2000, DAK Industries 2000, Inc(R)şI {TO_ALTHEA 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 bound, 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 sweetness, mercy, majesty, {^line 20} 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 an hermitage; If I have freedom in my love And in my soul am free, Angels alone, that soar above, Enjoy such liberty. - - THE END