Study notes on Cavalier Poetry and Cavalier Poets: Herrick, Carew, Lovelace

The Cavalier Poets The term "cavalier poets" is used to denote a group of poets closely associated with the court of Charles I. The best representatives are Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew, and Richard Lovelace. (Andrew Marvell is sometimes associated with the cavaliers and sometimes with metaphysical poets). They were also known as "sons of Ben" because they spent a lot of time with Ben Jonson, after whose poetry they modeled their own. Another influence was …

…to the Wars Tell me not (Sweet) I am unkind, That 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 inconstancy is such As you too shall adore; I could not love thee (Dear) so much, Lov'd I not Honour more.