O Minnie, which are thy true charms?
Now heavenly, now human,
Say, shall I fold thee in my arms
An Angel or a Woman?

A Spirit first before my sight,
Before my fancy dancing,
Thou shonest, like a water-light
Retreating and advancing.

More close I looked: and to a Child
The splendour seemed to steady;
A thing that breathed, a thing that smiled,
Bespoke my heart already.

Ah, would it speak?—And if it spake
Some speech past our conventions,—
The tongue in which the lightnings break
Of Angel apprehensions?