Note 42 — Chapter XV
Reading edition
How beautifully and how truly has Eliza Cook expressed this sentiment, without any reference to, or even knowledge of, the philologist's interpretation of the Grecian or Aryan myth, in one stanza, in her poem entitled "A Thing of Beauty is a Joy for ever":—
Oh! "beautiful for ever" is the sheen Of April's sun, that, with a bridegroom's smile, Nestles in nature's breast of balmy green; With larks to sing a marriage song, the while The "bridal of the earth and sky" is seen Before the priest that bars all greed and guile; With blissful promise there shall soon be born Fair offspring in red grapes and yellow corn.