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.
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.
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!
Explanation of "She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron, line by line:
She walks in beauty, like the night
The poem begins with a comparison between the woman's beauty and the night. Byron suggests that her beauty is dark and mysterious, yet also radiant and alluring.
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
He continues the comparison by describing the night sky as "cloudless" and "starry," evoking a sense of awe and wonder.
And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Byron notes that the woman's beauty is a combination of both dark and light elements, which come together in her eyes and overall appearance.
Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
He goes on to say that the woman's beauty is not harsh or overpowering like the brightness of day, but instead has a gentle and soothing quality.
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;
Here, Byron suggests that even the slightest change in the woman's appearance would detract from her overall beauty. He notes the graceful way her hair falls around her face, and how even the way it reflects light adds to her beauty.
Where thoughts serenely sweet express How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
Byron suggests that the woman's beauty is not just skin deep, but reflects her pure and innocent heart. He sees her as a peaceful and contented soul, whose thoughts are as sweet as her appearance.
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!
Finally, Byron concludes the poem with a final tribute to the woman's inner beauty. He notes the serene expression on her face, and the subtle but radiant glow of her skin. He suggests that these outward signs of beauty are a reflection of her inner goodness and innocence, and that her love and peaceful nature make her truly beautiful.