Col. RICHARD LOVELACE.
Reading edition
I can compare no Man so like this Colonel Lovelace as Sir Philip Sidney, of which latter it is said by one in an Epitaph made of him,
Nor is it fit that more I should acquaint, Lest Men adore in one A Scholar, Souldier, Lover, and a Saint.
As for their parallel, they were both of noble Parentage, Sir Philips Father being Lord Deputy of Ireland, and President of Wales; our Colonel of a Vicount's name and Family; Scholars none can deny them both: The one Celebrated his Mistress under the bright name of Stella, the other the Lady Regent of his Affections, under the Banner of Lucasta, both of them endued with transcendent Sparks of Poetick Fire, and both of them exposing their Lives to the extreamest hazard of doubtful War; both of them such Soldiers as is expressed by the Poet.
Undaunted Spirits, that encounter those Sad dangers, we to Fancy scarce propose.
To conclude, Mr. Lovelace's Poems did, do, and still will live in good Esteem with all knowing true Lovers of Ingenuity.