She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
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;
Where thoughts serenly sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And so 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 will all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
