George Gordon Byron

Hebrew Melodies 10. I Saw Thee Weep

I saw thee weep - the big bright tear
     Came o'er that eye of blue;
And then methought it did appear
     A violet dropping dew:
I saw thee smile - the sapphire's blaze
     Beside thee ceased to shine;
It could not match the living rays
     That filled that glance of thine.

As clouds from yonder sun receive
     A deep and mellow dye,
Which scarce the shade of coming eve
     Can banish from the sky,
Those smiles unto the moodiest mind
     Their own pure joy impart;
Their sunshine leaves a glow behind
     That lightens o'er the heart.