Between the shadowy land and voiceless sea,
They met by twilight on the sterile coast.
Said Beauty: 'I am of eternity.
Bow down to me!' Said Truth: 'You are but ghost.'

And Beauty like a silver mist took flight,
And heard far off the sorrow of Time's laugher.
Going she wept, with tears of bitter light,
And on her path great pearls were found long after.

'See now!' cried Truth. 'Her feet have left no trace!'
And at a pool abandoned by the tide
Knelt down to see the beauty of his face,
To find stars mirrored there-and naught beside.