She Walks in Beauty
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She Walks in Beauty is a poem written in 1814 by Lord Byron. It was the first of several poems to be set to Jewish tunes from the synagogue by Isaac Nathan, which were published as Hebrew Melodies in 1815. An arrangement was performed by vocalist Sissel and The Philharmonia Orchestra for the soundtrack of the 2004 production of Vanity Fair.
Byron is said to have written the poem after meeting his cousin Lady Anne Wilmot Horton in black mourning clothes, which, when combined with her pale skin and "raven tresses" (black hair), reminded him of stars and the night. The poem claims this lovely outer appearance as a sign of her inner beauty and purity. This was a popular theme of Renaissance and Medieval poetry.
This poem is not necessarily a love poem, but more of a celebration of the subject's beauty. Some critics have said that Byron fell passionately in love with his cousin and wrote this poem for her but no where in the poem does it mention or allude to love. He is merely commenting on her 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 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!
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