If head and limb have beauty and the instep's high and light,

They can spread out what sail they please for all I have to say,

Be but the breakers of men's hearts or engines of delight:

I knew a phoenix in my youth so let them have their day.

There'll be that crowd to make men wild through all the centuries,

And maybe there'll be some young belle walk out to make men wild

Who is my beauty's equal, though that my heart denies,

But not the exact likeness, the simplicity of a child,

And that proud look as though she had gazed into the burning sun,

And all the shapely body no tittle gone astray,

[57]

I mourn for that most lonely thing; and yet God's will be done,

I knew a phoenix in my youth so let them have their day.

[58]

[58]

A THOUGHT FROM PROPERTIUS

She might, so noble from head

To great shapely knees,

The long flowing line,

Have walked to the altar

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