Richard Armitage: Richard Lovelace's Poem..Echo of Uhtred of Bebbanburg

It also evokes memories of Guy & Marian with the references to 'the nunnery 'and his obsession with her 'chaste' heart.  'Embrace a sword, a horse, a shield' is truly the essence of Uhtred of Bebbanburg in Bernard Cornwell's 'Lords of the North.'

Tell me not, Sweet, by Richard Lovelace

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

True, a new mistress now I chase,
The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith- embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.

Yet this unconstancy is such
As you too shall adore;
For, I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
Loved I not honour more.
                                                     ~~~~~~~~~