Eternal Love of the Beautiful Maiden

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!

Her voice is like the sound of streams
That murmur through the verdant vales;
A music that consumes all dreams,
And leaves the listener in a trance;
A melody that never ceases,
A song that's ever sweet and pleases.

She moves with grace, like a fair lily
That sways in a summer breeze;
Her steps are light, her laugh is jolly,
And in her presence, one feels free.
Oh, she is fair, beyond compare,
The maiden whom I revere.

And I, who gaze upon her face,
Feel like a pilgrim in a shrine;
My heart beats fast, my pulse does race,
As if a goddess I did find.
I know not how to speak or trace
The feelings that within me wind.

But this I know, and this I swear,
That she is all the world to me;
My life, my love, my every care,
In her I find my destiny.
And if I die, as men do fare,
I pray she'll be my eternity.