| SHE was a Phantom of delight |
|
| When first she gleam'd upon my sight; |
|
| A lovely Apparition, sent |
|
| To be a moment's ornament: |
|
| Her eyes as stars of twilight fair; |
5 |
| Like twilight's, too, her dusky hair; |
|
| But all things else about her drawn |
|
| From May-time and the cheerful dawn; |
|
| A dancing shape, an image gay, |
|
| To haunt, to startle, and waylay. |
10 |
| |
| I saw her upon nearer view, |
|
| A Spirit, yet a Woman too! |
|
| Her household motions light and free, |
|
| And steps of virgin liberty; |
|
| A countenance in which did meet |
15 |
| Sweet records, promises as sweet; |
|
| A creature not too bright or good |
|
| For human nature's daily food, |
|
| For transient sorrows, simple wiles, |
|
| Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. |
20 |
| |
| And now I see with eye serene |
|
| The very pulse of the machine; |
|
| A being breathing thoughtful breath, |
|
| A traveller between life and death: |
|
| The reason firm, the temperate will, |
25 |
| Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill; |
|
| A perfect Woman, nobly plann'd |
|
| To warn, to comfort, and command; |
|
| And yet a Spirit still, and bright |
|
| With something of an angel light. |
30 |
| |
.gif){kind=small}
