Byron, George Gordon. "She Walks in Beauty".

Summary

- the black-haired woman with pale skin = a clear night with the stars shining

- admires the perfect harmony of her beauty ("One shade the more, one ray the less" would already spoil the impression)

- associates the chants of her appearance with the virtue and innocence of her character

Analysis

- a poem of an elaborate compliment to a lady (not necessarily a love poem)

- the poet was inspired by his meeting his beautiful young cousin in a black mourning gown brightened with spangles

- the Romantic idea of physical appearance telling about the person's character (a beautiful woman = a virtuous woman)

- the Romantic interest in the mysterious aspect (the metaphor of the night and the black colour of the lady's hair and clothes suggests a mystery)

- the Romantic interest in pain and suffering (the lady is in mourning, but is beautiful in her grief)