Rossetti's "vain virtues" are the virtues of the rain, falling unfruitfully.
"Essays"
Alice Meynell
I had rather do any thing, than wear out time so unfruitfully, sir.
"Epicoene Or, The Silent Woman"
Ben Jonson
The family of the House of Pash was assured that beneficent spirits surrounded them at every turn, and that their good deeds were not suffered to fall unfruitfully to the ground; while many bearing the name of Glidder, on the other hand, were reproved by one who had known them in infancy for the offences of jealousy, ostentation, vain thoughts, shallowness of character, and the like.
"The Mirror of Kong Ho"
Ernest Bramah