R Lovelace read by Classic Poetry Aloud:

http://www.classicpoetryaloud.com/

Giving voice to the poetry of the past.

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Gratiana Dancing

by Richard Lovelace (1618 – 1658)

She beat the happy pavement—

By such a star made firmament,

Which now no more the roof envìes!

But swells up high, with Atlas even,

Bearing the brighter nobler heaven,

And, in her, all the deities.

Each step trod out a Lover's thought,

And the ambitious hopes he brought

Chain'd to her brave feet with such arts,

Such sweet command and gentle awe,

As, when she ceased, we sighing saw

The floor lay paved with broken hearts.

First aired: 25 July 2008

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