For beauty being the best of all we know 
Sums up the unsearchable and secret aims 
Of nature, and on joys whose earthly names 
Were never told can form and sense bestow; 

And man has sped his instinct to outgo 
The step of science; and against her shames
Imagination stakes out heavenly claims, 
Building a tower above the head of woe. 

Nor is there fairer work for beauty found 
Than that she win in nature her release 
From all the woes that in the world abound; 
Nay with his sorrow may his love increase, 
If from man’s greater need beauty redound, 
And claim his tears for homage of his peace.

Ends