I look'd into her eyes,

And saw something divine,

For there, like summer lightning,

Swift coruscations shine.

Still flashing, and still changing,

Attemper'd soft and bright,

Through each expression ranging,

From pity to delight.

From high or zealous feeling,

From arch, excursive grace,

From all with which a lovely mind

Endows the human face.

Perhaps a new and careless eye

May not those beauties see,

And wonder to behold the power

Belinda has with me.

The spell which holds this captive soul

She never would possess,

Were not her varying features rul'd

By sparkling playfulness,

But when with aimless, trackless skill

Is twin'd a mazy chain,

In the warm foldings of a heart,

Perforce it must remain.