The Pearl/Volume 7/Hymn to the Genius of Woman.

(A statue in the Florentine Gallery.)

Genius of woman, glorious form Of perfect loveliness, I worship thee, with beauty warm, Released from every dress.

Oh smile on him to Thee who bows, Who worships Thee alone; And pays his deep impassioned vows, At none but Beauty's throne.

And bless thou Her whose pencil gave, Thy dazzling limbs to light, Naked, as rising from the wave, They shone all rosy bright.

It was a homage due to Thee, By grateful Chloris paid; For Thou with every conquering charm, Has't blest the golden maid.

And every touch her pencil gave, To each alluring part; Has bound in firmer spells the slave, Of pleasure, love, and art.

Oh sacred, fervent, silent be, Our worship at Thy shrine; No eye profane shall ever see, Thy lineaments divine.