Beauty

I saw the face of Beauty—a pale rose In the gold dusk of her abundant hair . . . A silken web of dreams and joys—a snare . . A net of pleasures in a world of woes, A bright temptation for gay youth that goes Laughing upon his way without a care! A shield of light for conquering Love to bear Stronger than all the swords of all his foes. O face of Beauty—O white dawn enshrined In sunrise veils of splendid hair—O star! Shine on those weary men who sadly wise But guess thy glory faintly from afar— Missing the marvel of thy smile—and blind To the imperial passion in thine eyes!