Classic Poem

I asked for Beauty, and heard reply,
" There's naught so far, there's naught so nigh. "

I prayed to Beauty, and she was kind;
She gave me seeing, who erst was blind.

Her rays, reflected, all things did dart
Through eye and ear, through mind and heart.

I said, Sweet spirit, some gift I'd give.
" I ask no gift but the life you live. "

Then rest you, Beauty, nor journey afar.
" Each night I fly from the farthest star. "

Yet, near us, sometimes, are you hid?
" Perhaps I sleep 'neath a coffin lid. "

But oft you vanish in cloud that clings.
" The pure in heart shall see all things. "

Know you of Goodness, of Truth, and Love?
" They climb the stair to the One above. "

Why, of the sisters, are you most fair?
" Their blended grace is the robe I wear. "

This heart, all melted, your slave will be!
" Nay, I have loved you, and made you free. "