TO AMARANTHA, THAT SHE WOULD DISHEVEL HER HAIR

by: Richard Lovelace (1618-1658)

MARANTHA sweet and fair,

Ah, braid no more that shining hair!

As my curious hand or eye

Hovering round thee, let it fly!

 

Let it fly as unconfined

As its calm ravisher the wind,

Who hath left his darling, th' East,

To wanton o'er that spicy nest.

 

Every tress must be confest,

But neatly tangled at the best;

Like a clew of golden thread

Most excellently ravellèd.

 

Do not then wind up that light

In ribbands, and o'ercloud in night,

Like the Sun in 's early ray;

But shake your head, and scatter day!

• Richard Lovelace: Bibliography - A bibliography of the works of Richard Lovelace; includes a list of critical and biographical resources.
• Purchase books by Richard Lovelace