THE SMILE.
Reading edition
I looked on Beauty when the sudden light
Of Intellect and generous Feeling high
Blazed on the Cheek and lightened in the Eye
And Genius flashed from every feature bright!
I looked on Beauty when a wild delight
Laughed from beneath her silken lashes fair;
And Mirth, awaking from her rosy lair,
Led forth his dimples like the waves of Night
When the full heaven of stars is shining there!
But not the flash of Genius may compare,
Nor the gay summer of the radiant cheek
With the soft Smile of twilight sweetness rare,
On Beauty’s brow, which thoughts of kindness wear
When the Eye looks, more than the tongue may speak.