She walks in beauty, like the night

 

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

 

And all thats 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,

 

Had half impaired the nameless grace

 

Which waves in every raven tress,

 

Or softly lightens oer her face;

 

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

 

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

 

And on that cheek, and oer 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.