She Walks in Beauty

by


Byron composed this piece in 1813 after being mesmerized by a lady dressed in black at a ball, his cousin by marriage.
A Valentine
Alexander Roslin, The Lady with the Veil
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 mellow'd 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!


She Walks in Beauty was featured as The Short Story of the Day on Wed, Jan 22, 2020

This poem is featured in our selection of Poetry for Students and 100 Great Poems. You may also enjoy Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's My Secret.


8.6

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