Long years ago she to our earth descended
From heaven's calm depths of shadowy air and cloud,
With youthful smile and crowned with fragrant roses,
Nude, lovely, of her sinless beauty proud.

She brought with her till then unknown emotions—
Music of heaven and love of dreams she bore.
Her law was art for art, she knew no other;
Her mission, to serve beauty evermore.

But soon the splendid flowers, torn from her forehead,
Were trampled in the dust; and dark and cold
A cloud o'erspread her beauteous virgin features
With doubt and grief; mute are the hymns of old!

Far, far away the notes of exultation,
Leaving no echo, by the storm are borne;
And now her song breathes fire of the soul's torment,
Her heavenly brow is pierced with many a thorn.