Perfect Woman

SHE was a phantom1 of delight
When first she gleamd upon my sight；

A lovely apparition2， sent

To be a moments ornament3；

Her eyes as stars of twilight4 fair；

Like twilights， too， her dusky hair；

But all things else about her drawn5

From May-time and the cheerful dawn；

A dancing shape， an image gay，

To haunt， to startle， and waylay6.

I saw her upon nearer view，

A Spirit， yet a Woman too！

Her household motions light and free，

And steps of virgin7 liberty；

A countenance8 in which did meet

Sweet records， promises as sweet；

A creature not too bright or good

For human natures daily food；

For transient sorrows， simple wiles9，

Praise， blame， love， kisses， tears， and smiles.

And now I see with eye serene10

The very pulse of the machine；

A being breathing thoughtful breath，

A traveller between life and death；

The reason firm， the temperate11 will，

Endurance， foresight12， strength， and skill；

A perfect Woman， nobly plannd，

To warn， to comfort， and command；

And yet a Spirit still， and bright

With something of angelic light.