Richard Lovelace, "To Althea: from Prison"

Richard Lovelace (1618-1657) is not quite so famous as some of the other poets featured here on Influential Lyrics, but his work offers some of the best examples of "Cavalier Poetry"--a mode of writing that came into prominence in the middle years of the 17th century. The Cavalier Poets (so named because of their loyalty to King Charles I) produced dozens of poems that celebrate aspects of the "good life." Beauty, love, friendship, and loyal dedication are among the key themes, all typically presented in a joyful live-for-today, carpe diem attitude.  The present podcase offers an explication of Lovelace's most famous poem, complete with the necessary historical backgrounds and a brief commentary on the nature of poetic language.