She Walks In Beauty

- George Gordon, Lord Byron


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 the 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.