Pousada de Mouros

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.................5
. .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; ...................10
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,.......15
...But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
...A heart whose love is innocent!


George Gordon Byron, Lord Byron. 1788–1824