She walks in beauty, like the night
   Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
 And all that's best of dark and bright
   Meets 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 impair'd 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.