50
RELIGION, SCIENCE, AND ART.
And then the goddess from the realms of light From laurel-trees near by plucked graceful boughs,Then dipped them gently 'neath the fountain bright, And sprinkled drops ambrosial on their brows.
"'Within each drop,' she said, 'lie pearls of thought; Each crystal doth with gems unnumbered gleam,Each gem with richest imagery is fraught, And all things fitting for the poet's dream.Go now, O poets! from this fountain clear, Teach man to love all holy things and bright,Till ye yourselves, in some celestial sphere, Exchange your laurel wreaths for crowns of light.'
"Then came the painters, and the waters bright Were tinged with hues that in the sunbeams lie;While shadows alternated with the light, The shadows of the flowers that grew near by.The goddess of the fountain high in air Tossed up the liquid gems that lay below;She smiled upon them, and then rainbows fair Were wreathed in beauty round each painter's brow.
"'Go, painters,' said she, 'from these rainbows weave Fair forms of wondrous loveliness and grace;
