She Walks In Beauty: a little dip into Byron

In this episode I read you some Belloc and Byron, and find that doing so circles me back to my own new book of poems 'David's Crown'. You'd be very welcome to join me for the official launch of David's Crown in a KZbin Webinar with some wonderful guests which will be broadcast on Feb 11th at 7pm GMT you can register for it for free here:
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It says 'click here to buy tickets' but that's just the registration, rest assured the 'tickets' are completely free.
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now here is the full text of that beautiful Byron poem:
She Walks in Beauty
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

[@gpat64]

When I started to read authors in theology and spirituality from hundreds of years ago, I thought it wonderful that in a sense they were now talking to me, and in a real sense I became their student and they became my teacher. This ability books have of enabling conversations and learning across centuries and millennia of time is nothing short of magical, as you so wonderfully say. Thank you Malcolm, I never come away from a Spell in the Library without feeling uplifted and that my world has been enriched. I wish you had been my English teacher at school !!!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks Graham, and thanks for the coffee!

[@aaronpoems7755]

I remember having to read Byron in school. Such a clever poet.

[@ellen823ful]

I’m going to open my volume of Lord Byron’s poetry and experience it anew.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

excellent, that's always the best response to anything I do, to go back to the original texts!

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

Breathtakingly beautiful! Fraternal greetings from Messolonghi (Μεσολόγγι) where Byron last drew breath - and where his poet’s heart yet abides. Requiescat In Pace Aeterna...🌿

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Wow! wonderful to think my video has been viewed in the very place itself!

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

Malcolm Guite - Indeed. 🙂

[@jasonwest9425]

Lovely poems and reflections.

[@algonquinbriar5647]

Thank you for another enriching visit. Be well and God bless.

[@Nighttrainpiper]

A heart whose love is innocent. One could say that about a young David, and his love for God

[@OldGreyMare]

The books are having their own Unexpected Party, and what great hosts!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I like that!

[@loveandpeace1985]

Thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

So glad!

[@ShubhamBhushanCC]

Dear Professor I'd love you to read us some Blake!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I will!

[@julialuminasalsa]

Beautifully read and explained

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thank you!

[@jackhooper3927]

Wee books of poetry ! I stow one in my jacket along with my pipe, matches, and tin of tabac. There is a precision in some poems which I find in some nautical paintings.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

indeed there is

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Lovely poem... I would agrue that poetry and music are only impactful if they conjure up memories we have experienced at some point in our lives. Thanks 🙏 for sharing as always dear Malcom Guite. Grazie 🙏 S.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Many thanks

[@mattrich680]

This poem will be memorized. Mad, bad, and dangerous to know: I will warn my daughters to be as wary of young gents quoting Lord Byron as they are against wielders of Gibran's The Prophet. Of course, if the young man actually understands and speaks from the heart, he might be worth a look - assuming he is gainfully employed. Good luck boys. Forty years later and I'm finally catching on. Might try it out for my silver anniversary next year. Which leads to me Heaney's 'Scaffolding'.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Ah yes, if one needs to assess potential suitors then what better way than by their tase in poetry!

[@leviliberda3148]

What wonderful writing from both authors! Thank you for the "spell". All though, I am hardly familiar with Belloc. Where would you recommend starting with him?

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

his best things are his poems and his short essays, so any selection of poetry and prose would do, and there are also the children's nonsense verse books like 'the bad child's book of beasts'

[@catinthehat906]

I read somewhere that Polidori based his sinister 'Vampyre' on Byron which says a lot I think about his character.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

indeed it does, but he was still great poet

[@DeathmetalXMidwest]

ᚠᛕ⤊ᛚ᛫ᖆᛁᚫᚺɅ,᛫᛫ᚠɅᚫ᛫ᚱᛅᚺᐳᐳ

[@barn_ninny]

What? I don't recognize you without a waistcoat and herringbone.