English Studies Forum

To Lucasta, on Not Going to the Wars

            (with apologies to Richard Lovelace)

Felicia Nimue Ackerman

Outside are danger, war, and death,

And I could go to fight.

I could go out upon the hill

Or stay with you tonight.

I could go out to save the world

As evil does its worst.

I could go out to save my soul,

Or I could put you first.

The world well lost, my honor, too.

Indeed, I must confess

I could not love thee, dear, so much,

Loved I not honor less.