I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honor more.

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.

I could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honor more

If I have freedom in my love, And in my soul am free, - Angels alone that soar above, Enjoy such liberty.

Oh! could you view the melody Of every grace, And music of her face, You'd drop a tear, Seeing more harmony In her bright eye, Than now you hear.

Tell me not, Sweet, I am unkind, / That from the nunnery / Of thy chaste breast, and quiet mind, / To war and arms I fly.