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1806–1867

SONNET.

Nathaniel Parker Willis

Elegance floats about thee like a dress, Melting the airy motion of thy form Into one swaying grace, and loveliness, Like a rich tint that makes a picture warm,

Is lurking in the chesnut of thy tress, Enriching it, as moonlight after storm Mingles dark shadows into gentleness. A beauty that bewilders like a spell

Reigns in thine eye's clear hazel, and thy brow So pure in vein'd transparency doth tell How spiritually beautiful art thou — A temple where angelic love might dwell.

Life in thy presence were a thing to keep, Like a gay dreamer clinging to his sleep.

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SONNET. · Nathaniel Parker Willis · Poetry Cove