SHE walks in beauty like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meets in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellow'd to that tender light 5
Which Heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more one ray the less
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress
Or softly lightens o'er her face 10
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 15
But tell of days in goodness spent —
A mind at peace with all below
A heart whose love is innocent.
