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. + 