A Skillful Mineralist
"The Scrutinie" is a humorous poem that makes fun of the love in general, but could be seen as well as a playful twist on all the other poems of undying love. The lover in this poem wants to seek out the company of other women in order to renew his love for his lover. He must search the bland and common like a skillful mineralist seeks for treasure.
Stone walls and iron bars
In the poem "To Althea, from Prison" the poet tells a story of an imprisoned man who sees his freedom in love and devotion. The stone walls and iron bars do not represent prison to him, he is free in his love, and in his soul, just like the angels above.
War and Honor
The poem "To Lucasta, Going to the Wars", talks about a soldier going to war and leaving his loved one behind. Lucasta is angry at him because he loves war more than her, but he argues that this love for war, for his honor, is what makes him love her. Going to the war is seen as a symbol of honor, and due to this pride he sees himself makes him the man capable of loving her.
