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, 

   Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven 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!