Loss And Gain

Virtue runs before the muse And defies her skill, She is rapt, and doth refuse To wait a painter's will.

Star-adoring, occupied, Virtue cannot bend her, Just to please a poet's pride, To parade her splendor.

The bard must be with good intent No more his, but hers, Throw away his pen and paint, Kneel with worshippers.

Then, perchance, a sunny ray From the heaven of fire, His lost tools may over-pay, And better his desire.