The Birth of Venus 1480 by Sandro  Botticelli (1445-1510)

Venus Transiens Amy Lowell (1874 - 1925)

               TELL me, 
          Was Venus more beautiful 
          Than you are, 
          When she topped 
          The crinkled waves, 
          Drifting shoreward 
          On her plaited shell? 
          Was Botticelli's vision 
          Fairer than mine; 
          And were the painted rosebuds 
          He tossed his lady 
          Of better worth 
          Than the words I blow about you 
          To cover your too great loveliness 
          As with a gauze 
          Of misted silver? 

               For me, 
          You stand poised 
          In the blue and buoyant air, 
          Cinctured by bright winds, 
          Treading the sunlight. 
          And the waves which precede you 
          Ripple and stir 
          The sands at my feet.