She Walks in Beauty
She Walks in Beauty - fact Summary
Inspired by a Cousin's Recovery
This poem is an idealized lyrical portrait praising a woman’s serene, innocent beauty by blending imagery of light and dark. Byron celebrates harmony between outward appearance and inner goodness, suggesting moral and emotional purity rather than overt sensuality. The poem’s tone is admiring and contemplative, presenting beauty as gentle, balanced, and almost spiritual. Its origin—Byron’s encounter with his cousin after her recovery—frames the praise as inspired by renewed health and grace.
Read Complete AnalysesShe 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 that 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!
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