George Gordon Byron (1786 – 1824) was born in London, England, and spent a deeply troubled childhood, having been born with a deformed foot. He published his first volumes of poems between grammar school and college. After suffering failed marriages and relationships and many critical reviews of his work, he fled to Italy, where he wrote his classic poem, Don Juan. He died there at age 36 from colds and fevers. Byron penned his iconic love poem, “She Walks in Beauty” at age 28. This poem is in the public domain.
She Walks in Beauty
By George Gordon Byron
I.
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 mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
II.
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.
III.
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!
Leave feedback about this