eaglesweb.com poetry for the ear in the tradition of Homer A personal literature and arts website.  Click HERE for our editorial policy or to record your comments.  Click on the red logo to return to home page.  Readings by Walter Rufus Eagles in RealMedia streaming audio. Four Lyrical Poems by Richard Lovelace [1618-1657] One of the English metaphysical poets represented on eaglesweb.com

To Althea from Prison [1:16] To Amarantha, That She Would Dishevel Her Hair [0:51] To Lucasta on Going beyond the Seas [0:48] To Lucasta on Going to the Wars [0:32] To His Fairest Valentine Mrs. A. L. [1:36] Return to Daily Audio Poem Page Return to Weekly Audio Poetry Page Return to Poets Listing All spoken audio recordings copyright © 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Walter Rufus Eagles voice recording only.  All audio reproduction rights reserved.

" To His Fairest Valentine Mrs. A. L.

"Come, pretty birds, present your lays,
And learn to chaunt a goddess praise;
Ye wood-nymphs, let your voices be
Employ'd to serve her deity:
And warble forth, ye virgins nine,
Some music to my Valentine.

"Her bosom is love's paradise,
There is no heav'n but in her eyes;
She's chaster than the turtle-dove,
And fairer than the queen of love:
Yet all perfections do combine
To beautifie my Valentine.

"She's Nature's choicest cabinet,
Where honour, beauty, worth and wit
Are all united in her breast.
The graces claim an interest:
All virtues that are most divine
Shine clearest in my Valentine."
And learn to chaunt a goddess praise;
Ye wood-nymphs, let your voices be
Employ'd to serve her deity:
And warble forth, ye virgins nine,
Some music to my Valentine.

"Her bosom is love's paradise,
There is no heav'n but in her eyes;
She's chaster than the turtle-dove,
And fairer than the queen of love:
Yet all perfections do combine
To beautifie my Valentine.

"She's Nature's choicest cabinet,
Where honour, beauty, worth and wit
Are all united in her breast.
The graces claim an interest:
All virtues that are most divine
Shine clearest in my Valentine."