She Walks in Beauty

                 She walks in beauty, like the night

         Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

      And all that's best of dark and bright 

                  Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

            Thus mellowed to that tender light 

            Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

                

           One shade the more, one ray the less,                  Which waves in every raven tress, 

 Or softly lightens over her face;i

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

 How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

   And on that cheek, and over 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!