43779.fb2 Shapes of Clay - читать онлайн бесплатно полную версию книги . Страница 98

Shapes of Clay - читать онлайн бесплатно полную версию книги . Страница 98

THE BIRTH OF VIRTUE.

  When, long ago, the young world circling flew  Through wider reaches of a richer blue,  New-eyed, the men and maids saw, manifest,  The thoughts untold in one another's breast:  Each wish displayed, and every passion learned—  A look revealed them as a look discerned.  But sating Time with clouds o'ercast their eyes;  Desire was hidden, and the lips framed lies.  A goddess then, emerging from the dust,  Fair Virtue rose, the daughter of Distrust.