love letters of great men, love poems, romantic poems
Over the centuries, love letters have been penned by the finest of men. Warriors, leaders, and statesmen, who loved as intensely as they fought, drew words from the core of their souls, sharing them with the women they loved most deeply. The writings of Napoleon to Josephine provide a romantic example: “I awake consumed with thoughts of you. Your image and the memory of the intoxicating pleasures of last evening have left my senses in turmoil. Sweet, incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart.”
Not limited to one era, “Love Letters of Great Men” spanned lovers of many generations. Gifted musicians such as Mozart wrote some of the most passionate letters. Beethoven, whose letters were found in his desk after his death, once wrote to a lady whose identity has never been discovered: “Be calm–love me–today–yesterday–what tearful longings for you–you–you–my life–my all–farewell. Oh continue to love me–never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved…ever thine, ever mine, ever ours.” Poets, playwrights and novelists such as Byron, Browning, Keats, and Voltaire also turned their talent towards romantic prose. “I am a prisoner here in the name of the King,” Voltaire wrote to his fiance. “they can take my life, but not the love that I feel for you. Yes, my adorable mistress, tonight I shall see you, even if I have to put my head on the block to do it.”
John Keats, who died of consumption at the tender age of 26, wrote to his true love in his dying days: “I have seen you the whole time in your shepherdess dress. How my senses have ached at it! How my heart has been devoted to it! How my eyes have been full of tears at it! Indeed I think a real love is enough to occupy the widest heart–Your going to town alone, when I heard of it was a shock to me–yet I expected it–promise me you will not for some time, till I get better. Promise me this and fill the paper full of the most endearing names.”
Such letters are amazing, heartbreaking, and endearing all at the same time—and sure to draw tears—and inspire romantic thoughts—in even the hardest of hearts.