She was a phantom of delight br When first she gleamed upon my sight; br A lovely Apparition, sent br To be a moment's ornament; br Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair; br Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair; br But all things else about her drawn br From May-time and the cheerful Dawn; br A dancing Shape, an Image gay, br To haunt, to startle, and way-lay. br br I saw her upon a nearer view, br A Spirit, yet a Woman too! br Her household motions light and free, br And steps of virgin liberty; br A countenance in which did meet br Sweet records, promises as sweet; br A Creature not too bright or good br For human nature's daily food; br For transient sorrows, simple wiles, br Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears and smiles. br br And now I see with eye serene br The very pulse of the machine; br A Being breathing thoughtful breath, br A Traveler between life and death; br The reason firm, the temperate will, br Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill; br A perfect Woman, nobly planned, br To warm, to comfort, and command; br And yet a Spirit still, and bright, br With something of angelic light.