She Was A Phantom Of Delight

    She was a Phantom of delight

    When first she gleamed upon my sight;

    A lovely Apparition, sent

    To be a moment's ornament;

    Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair;

    Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair;

    But all things else about her drawn

    From May-time and the cheerful Dawn;

    A dancing Shape, an Image gay,

  To haunt, to startle, and way-lay.

  I saw her upon nearer view,

  A Spirit, yet a Woman too!

  Her household motions light and free,

  And steps of virgin-liberty;

  A countenance in which did meet

  Sweet records, promises as sweet;

  A Creature not too bright or good

  For human nature's daily food;

  For transient sorrows, simple wiles,

  Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles.

  And now I see with eye serene

  The very pulse of the machine;

  A Being breathing thoughtful breath,

  A Traveller between life and death;

  The reason firm, the temperate will,

  Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill;

  A perfect Woman, nobly planned,

  To warn, to comfort, and command;

  And yet a Spirit still, and bright

  With something of angelic light.

NOTESForm: coupletsComposition Date:1804