SHE was a phantom of delight <br />When first she gleam'd 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 waylay. <br /> <br />I saw her upon 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 traveller between life and death; <br />The reason firm, the temperate will, <br />Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill; <br />A perfect Woman, nobly plann'd, <br />To warn, 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/perfect-woman/
