She walks in beauty
Like the night
Of cloudless clime
And starry sky;
And all that's best
Of dark and light
Meet in her aspects,
And her eyes.
Thus mellowed to
That tender light
Which heaven, to
Gaudy day, denies.
One shade the more,
One ray the less
Had half impaired
Her nameless grace,
Which waves in every
Raven's tress,
Or softly lightens
O'er her face.
Where thoughts serenely
Sweet express,
How pure, how dear,
Their dwelling place.
And on that cheek,
And o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm,
Yet, eloquent;
The smiles that win,
The tints that glow:
But tell of days
In goodness spent.
A mind at peace
With all below,
A heart whose love
Is innocent!