| SHE was a Phantom of delight
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When first she gleam'd upon my sight;
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A lovely Apparition, sent
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To be a moment's ornament:
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Her eyes as stars of twilight fair;
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Like twilight's, too, her dusky hair;
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But all things else about her drawn
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From May-time and the cheerful dawn;
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A dancing shape, an image gay,
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To haunt, to startle, and waylay.
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I saw her upon nearer view,
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A Spirit, yet a Woman too!
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Her household motions light and free,
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And steps of virgin liberty;
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A countenance in which did meet
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Sweet records, promises as sweet;
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A creature not too bright or good
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For human nature's daily food,
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For transient sorrows, simple wiles,
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Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles.
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And now I see with eye serene
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The very pulse of the machine;
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A being breathing thoughtful breath,
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A traveller between life and death:
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The reason firm, the temperate will,
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Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill;
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A perfect Woman, nobly plann'd
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To warn, to comfort, and command;
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And yet a Spirit still, and bright
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With something of an angel light.
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You have already done a research in class on the historical, literary and biographical context. I would like all of you to share your research on this page. I is important that every single one of you contribute to this task.
Please ensure that content is not repeated and there is a clarity on which context you are focusing on.
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