George Gordon Byron

Hebrew Melodies 1. She Walks in Beauty

I.

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.

II.

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.

III.

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!