Interesting topic. I think that one of the most outstanding examples of "painful beauty" is Galadriel when Frodo offers her the Ring. Here is the quote:
Quote:
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You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightnigh! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!
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I think the last line, especially, shows exactly what you are talking about. I'm sure there are a million more examples, but this is what first comes to mind.
<font size=1 color=339966>[ 1:51 AM January 10, 2004: Message edited by: Alatariel ]