When first you shone on mankind’s bliss, you smiled
To scorn his playful whim: for then as now
He tried in vain to resurrect the child
And place your glowing wisdom on his brow.
When next you fired his molten mind, his heart
Lusted after your perfect symmetry:
For now as then, he ventured on his part
To transform through ingenious industry.

But your pure virtue cannot pale: to him
You’re the grim ideal he’ll never enjoy,
A rock of love that is no passing whim
That crumbles, your blue depths, his hope and joy.
For yours is a timelessness well deserved
And in your timelessness is he preserved.