For beauty being the best of all we know <br />Sums up the unsearchable and secret aims <br />Of nature, and on joys whose earthly names <br />Were never told can form and sense bestow; <br />And man has sped his instinct to outgo <br />The step of science; and against her shames <br />Imagination stakes out heavenly claims, <br />Building a tower above the head of woe. <br />Nor is there fairer work for beauty found <br />Than that she win in nature her release <br />From all the woes that in the world abound; <br />Nay with his sorrow may his love increase, <br />If from man's greater need beauty redound, <br />And claim his tears for homage of his peace.<br /><br />Robert Seymour Bridges<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-beauty-being-the-best-of-all-we-know/
