Reuben and Other Poems by Robert Leighton |
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BEAUTY THE FLOWERING OF VIRTUE. |
Reuben and Other Poems | ||
BEAUTY THE FLOWERING OF VIRTUE.
Beauty was by the ancients known to be
The flowering of virtue; yet, in sooth,
With added insight into nature, we
Can barely reach that truth.
The flowering of virtue; yet, in sooth,
With added insight into nature, we
Can barely reach that truth.
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But see what lovely violets of light
Pure chastity within the eye imparts,
And in the cheek what roses, red and white,
Bloom up from gentle hearts!
Pure chastity within the eye imparts,
And in the cheek what roses, red and white,
Bloom up from gentle hearts!
Be outward features wintery and hard,
And virtue in the heart's core, with them bear
Until some soft emotion burst the sward,
Then see what beauty there!
And virtue in the heart's core, with them bear
Until some soft emotion burst the sward,
Then see what beauty there!
Or if you see great beauty in a face,
Yet know the soul within of no esteem,
Be sure there has been virtue in the race,
This but its setting gleam.
Yet know the soul within of no esteem,
Be sure there has been virtue in the race,
This but its setting gleam.
So, too, all work, of whatsoever soil,
If into flowers of loveliness it shoot,
Through trade's close bargain or artistic toil,
Has virtue at the root.
If into flowers of loveliness it shoot,
Through trade's close bargain or artistic toil,
Has virtue at the root.
Reuben and Other Poems | ||