she walks in beauty

Marianne Faithfull

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 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!