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Richard Lovelace

1618–1657
Portrait of Richard Lovelace
William Dobson / Public Domain

Like the other Cavalier poets of 17th-century England, Richard Lovelace lived a legendary life as a soldier, lover, and courtier. Persecuted for his unflagging support of King Charles I, he died in dire poverty — but not before writing two of the age’s most melodic and moving lyrics: “To Althea, from Prison” and “To Lucasta, Going to the Wars.”

Poems by Richard Lovelace
More About this Poet

Bibliography

WRITINGS BY THE AUTHOR:

Books

  • Lucasta: Epodes, Odes, Sonnets, Songs, &c. To Which Is Added Aramantha, A Pastorall (London: Printed by Thomas Harper, sold by Tho. Evvster, 1649; facsimile, Menston: Scholar, 1972).
  • Lucasta: Posthume Poems (London: Printed by William Godbid for Clement Darby, 1659 [i.e., 1660]).

Edition

  • The Poems of Richard Lovelace, edited by C. H. Wilkinson (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1930).