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.

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.

Stone walls do not a prison make/ Nor iron bars a cage;/ Minds innocent and quiet take/ That for an hermitage.

Fishes, that tipple in the deep, / Know no such liberty.