Thread: She walks in beauty

I was inspired to remember this poem after reading a thread about Mary Shelley. They just don't write poetry like this anymore.


George Gordon Byron 1788-1824

She walks in beauty

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 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.

Lord Byron was inspired by the sight of his cousin, the beautiful Mrs. Wilmot, who was wearing a black spangled mourning dress. Lord Byron was struck by his cousin’s dark hair and fair face, the mingling of various lights and shades. This became the essence of his poem about her.

Yay! A fellow Byronophile. We seem to be a rare breed, these days. Hebrew Melodies, the short collection "She Walks in Beauty" is drawn from, contains some of Byron's simplest and most approachable poems, but they are also some of his most prettily lyrical. On the other hand, they do tend towards depressing or else towards glorious and martial themes. This one has always seemed a bit out of place to me for that reason. True, it deals contextually with a lady in mourning, but its overall tone seems more upbeat.

Cheers,
Rumrunner

Oh I love this poem! I have sung it before and it just sends chills down my spine!

Beautiful poem!

this is my favorite poem penned by lord byron.

Indeeed one of Byron's most memorable. I'm reading Don Juan by Byron now. It is much better than when I had to read only part of it in college. In fact, it's flat out funny.

Wonderful Poem, so romantic and sweet.