She was a phantom of delight When first she gleamed upon my sight; A lovely Apparition, sent To be a moment’s ornament; Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair; Like Twilight’s too, her dusky hair; But all things else about her drawn From May-time and the cheerful Dawn; A dancing Shape, an image gay, To haunt, to startle, and way-lay. I saw her upon nearer view, A spirit, yet a Woman too! Her household motions light and free, And steps of virgin-liberty; A countenance in which did meet Sweet records, promises as sweet; A Creature not too bright or good For human nature’s daily food; For transient sorrows, simple wiles, Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles And now I see with eye serene The very pulse of the machine; A Being breathing thoughtful breath, A Traveler between life and death; The reason firm, the temperate will, Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill; A perfect Woman, nobly planned, To warn, to comfort, and command; And yet a Spirit still, and bright With something of angelic light.
当她初次在我面前闪现, 那真是一个快乐的幽灵; 这个可爱的幻象, 在人世瞬息间略显风韵; 她的秀发是昏夜中淡淡的黑幕, 她的双眼是微暗中皎洁的星辰; 一切都归于喜阅的黎明, 一切都来自勃发的青春; 舞姿翩翩,体态轻盈, 时时纠缠,偷袭频频, 有时让人喜不自胜, 有时让人胆战心惊。 我随后看到她近在咫尺, 是幽灵又是鲜活的女性! 常人的举止轻快洒脱, 少女的步态烂漫天真; 容颜中透露甜蜜的回忆, 表情里显现温柔的应允; 她并非超凡脱俗, 她有人间的常情: 淡淡的哀愁,小小的手腕, 褒、贬、笑、爱、泪水和亲吻。 现在, 目睹她超人的神态, 我的心里风平浪静; 她在呼吸她在思索她有生命, 她是尘世的过客在生与死间穿行; 有健全的理智, 有常人的恒心, 警示、抚慰、任由支配, 力量、机巧、远见、容忍, 她是淑女典型, 她是玉质天成; 虽依旧还是一个幻影, 却闪耀着天使的光明。