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 Traveler 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．