One definition of “wanton” in Lovelace’s “To Althea, From Prison” is “to pass one’s time carelessly.” It’s plausible that Lovelace used this definition, which would convey that even “The Gods that wanton in the Air,” – the Gods who are idling and living carelessly – “know no liberty,” because they aren’t in love. There is, however, another definition of “wanton,” which is “to indulge in amorous or lascivious behavior.” This definition would convey that those who partake in indulgent in sexual practices would not understand the liberty of Lovelace’s love. His ethereal love defies physical pleasure. The highest beings (the Gods) can enjoy an abundance of earthly freedoms and still not know liberty, according to Lovelace.

If Lovelace’s definition of the word “tipple” means “to intoxicate,” it would convey that even fish getting drunk in the sea know no liberty because they do not know true love. However, another definition of the word “tipple,” is “to squander or to spend” – even fish who get to indulge know no liberty. But if these fish are spending, they are running out of a non-replenishable source. Lovelace thus conveys that love never runs out.

Lovelace’s use of the word “fettered” means “bound with fetters or chains.” This is an interesting verbiage, as it conveys the inability to escape. In this case, it is from Althea’s eye – not a bad thing for Lovelace. My interest lies in the second definition of “fettered,” which is “hampered by disadvantageous conditions.” This could strengthen Lovelace’s claim – that when in the presence of his lover, even when hampered by disadvantaged conditions, he knows liberty. But another reading may suggest that love means being fettered in some way, chained to someone. This seems opposing to the poem’s aim, but maybe the liberty of love is freedom in restraint.