Robert Southey - Ariste lyrics

Let ancient stories round the painter's art, Who stole from many a maid his Venus' charms, Till warm devotion fired each gazer's heart And every bosom bounded with alarms. He culled the beauties of his native isle, From some the blush of beauty's vermeil dyes, From some the lovely look, the winning smile, From some the languid lustre of the eyes. Low to the finished form the nations round In adoration bent the pious knee; With myrtle wreaths the artist's brow they crowned, Whose sk**, Ariste, only imaged thee. Ill-fated artist, doomed so wide to seek The charms that blossom on Ariste's cheek!