...of man. That which the world would least willingly spare from its life are the masterpieces of art. Earth proudly wears the Parthenon As the best gem upon her zone. What could compensate for its loss, or for that of the Venus of Melos, the Sistine Madonna? Herein...

...better than he knew ; — The conscious stone to beauty grew, Know'st thou what wove yon woodbird's neat Of leaves, and feathers from her breast ? Or how the fish outbuilt her shell, Painting with mom each annual cell ? Or how the sacred pine-tree adds To her old leaves new myriads ? 3° Such and...