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.<br /><br />William Wordsworth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/she-was-a-phantom-of-delight/
