Charles Lamb --- Sonnet, "A timid grace sits trembling in her eye..."

A sonnet written by Charles Lamb  (1775–1834) . This special reading by ©2023 Joe A Pasquale.  The poem is widely believed to be inspired by Ann Simmons, a young woman from Hertfordshire whom Lamb loved in his youth. He often referred to her in his writings (including his famous "Elia" essays) by the pseudonym "Anna" or "Alice W——n."A timid grace sits trembling in her eye, A timid grace sits trembling in her eye, As loath to meet the rudeness of men’s sight, Yet shedding a delicious lunar light That steeps in kind oblivious ecstasy The care—crazed mind, like some still melody: Speaking most plain the thoughts which do possess Her gentle sprite: peace, and meek quietness, And innocent loves, and maiden purity: A look whereof might heal the cruel smart Of changed friends, or fortune’s wrongs unkind: Might to sweet deeds of mercy move the heart Of him who hates his brethren of mankind. Turned are those lights from me, who fondly yet Past joys, vain loves, and buried hopes regret. ===============================================================================Joseph A Pasquale is an American author who writes in a variety of literary genres, including poetry, memoir, and literary fiction. ​Pasquale is the author of literary novel, Dear Sparrow; also The LOVE JUNKY series spanning over 3000 pages (unpublished). Over 8 novels in the series including LOVE JUNKY LA.​ His "Upon Them A Childhood Cast," novel was completed in 2024, 800 pages. Pasquale's poetry collection, "Kindred Spirits: Horse Racing Name Poems" was added to the national archive in the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York. ​He is also the creator of Horse Racing Name Art Poems and authors their entire creation including conceptualizations. ​He is the author of well over a dozen unpublished novels and many poetry and short story collections. ​ Pasquale was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts and studied the art of writing literary fiction under bestselling-author, Ken Eulo. Ken Eulo's BLOODSTONE was his first purchase in 1982.  Pasquale is an active member of the Worcester County Poetry Association. ​Pasquale is related to Andrea Tempesta (his aunt) who penned the Worcester novel, "Afloat a Stranger's Shore." He has the only surviving print and digital copy of the novel. ​Pasquale also has the surviving copy of the unpublished autobiographical fictional Worcester novel, "BLACKHAWKS (The Children Sad)" by Pasquale's father's best friend, Larry J Sandners. ​Pasquale is also known as The Horse Racing Poet and has another website: www.horseracingpoet.com/blog www.josephapasquale.com