Helen, thy beauty is to me
Like those Nicean barks of yore,
That gently, o'er a perfumed sea,
The weary, wayworn wanderer bore
To his own native shore.

In the opening stanza of "To Helen," Edgar Allan Poe draws a vivid analogy between the beauty of "Helen" and the legendary Nicean ships. These vessels, known for their grace and splendor, evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning. Poe likens Helen's beauty to the comforting embrace of these ships, which once guided a tired traveler back to the familiarity and safety of home. This imagery suggests that Helen's allure offers solace and rejuvenation to the poet, much like the ships did for the wanderer. The concept of returning "to his own native shore" symbolizes a homecoming, both physically and spiritually, highlighting the profound impact of Helen's beauty on the poet's soul. Through this metaphor, Poe conveys themes of idealized love and the restorative power of beauty, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.