II.— The Tribute.

Boon Nature to the woman bows;

She walks in earth's whole glory clad,

And, chiefest far herself of shows,

All others help her, and are glad:

No splendour‘ neath the sky's proud dome

But serves for her familiar wear;

The far-fetch'd diamond finds its home

Flashing and smouldering in her hair;

For her the seas their pearls reveal;

Art and strange lands her pomp supply

With purple, chrome, and cochineal,

Ochre, and lapis lazuli;

The worm its golden woof presents;

Whatever runs, flies, dives, or delves,

All doff for her their ornaments,

Which suit her better than themselves;

And all, by this their power to give,

Proving her right to take, proclaim

Her beauty's clear prerogative

To profit so by Eden's blame.