Thursday, 16 April 2020

She Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron

Lord Byron was the superstar of his time. He was internationally famous for his poetry and infamous for his scandalous lifestyle.

This poem was written in 1814 - about the wife of his cousin - at a time when Britain was a patriarchal society. It is very important that you take into account the differences between 1814 and 2020 when you write about this poem.

There is an excellent short video about Byron here: About Byron


She Walks in Beauty
                         
   
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!
By Lord Byron



Here is my brief video about the poem: She Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron