A perfectly proportioned figure, with head well set upon her shoulders and a fine presence; really beautiful hands, daintily small and high-bred in shape; a symmetrical, well-formed head, with a good development above the rather large ears; jet-black hair, smoothly parted over a fine, broad brow; delicate, well-arched eyebrows; brilliant, black eyes, set perfectly straight in the head; a high nose, of the type the Chinese call “noble,” broad between the eyes and on a line with the forehead; an upper lip of great firmness, a rather large but beautiful mouth with mobile, red lips, which, when parted over her firm white teeth, gave her smile a rare charm; a strong chin, but not of exaggerated firmness and with no marks of obstinacy.[1] Had I not known she was nearing her sixty-ninth year, I should have thought her a well-preserved woman of forty. Being a widow, she used no cosmetics. Her face had the natural glow of health, and one could see that exquisite care and attention were bestowed upon everything concerning her toilet. Personal neatness and an excellent taste in the choice of becoming colors and ornaments enhanced this wonderfully youthful appearance, and a look of keen interest in her surroundings and remarkable intelligence crowned all these physical qualities and made an unusually attractive personality. [1] In the firmament of the Son of Heaven A brilliant new star has risen!-- Supple as the neck of the swan Is the charm of her graceful form. From the firm contour of charming chin Springs the faultless oval of her fair face, Crowned by the harmonious arch Of a broad and noble brow. The stately profile, chiseled clear, Is dominated by the pure line of noble nose Straight and slender and singularly mobile, Sensitive to all the impressions of the soul. Dewy lips with gracious curves Are the portals of a dainty mouth Where often blooms the sweet flower Of a most alluring smile. Her face is lit by black and sparkling eyes, Whose flames, in hours of ease, With oblique caress, envelop and thrill That happy mortal allowed to see. When stern circumstance demands, Her graceful form an attitude of firmness takes, The soft glow of her brilliant eyes Grows penetrating and holds one with proud authority. O beauty Supreme! O brilliant Star Shining but for the Son of Heaven! From thy glowing soul radiate Love, daring, hope, intellect, ambition, power! _From a Chinese poet--written when Her Majesty was twenty-five years old._