Volume Ii Part 7 (2/2)

V.

So might a King, turning to Art's rich treasure, At evening, when the cares of state were done, Enter his royal gallery, drinking pleasure Slowly from each great picture, one by one.

VI.

Towards the West I turn my weary spirit, And watch my pictures: one each night is mine.

Earth and my soul, sick of day's toil, inherit A portion of that luminous peace divine.

VII.

There I have seen a sunset's crimson glory, Burn as if earth were one great Altar's blaze; Or, like the closing of a piteous story, Light up the misty world with dying rays.

VIII.

There I have seen the Clouds, in pomp and splendour, Their gold and purple banners all unfurl; There I have watched colours, more faint and tender Than pure and delicate tints upon a pearl.

IX.

Skies strewn with roses fading, fading slowly, While one star trembling watched the daylight die; Or deep in gloom a sunset, hidden wholly, Save through gold rents torn in a violet sky.

X.

Or parted clouds, as if asunder riven By some great angel--and beyond a s.p.a.ce Of far-off tranquil light; the gates of Heaven Will lead us grandly to as calm a place.

XI.

Or stern dark walls of cloudy mountain ranges Hid all the wonders that we knew must be; While, far on high, some little white clouds changes'

Revealed the glory they alone could see.

XII.

Or in wild wrath the affrighted clouds lay shattered, Like treasures of the lost Hesperides, All in a wealth of ruined splendour scattered, Save one strange light on distant silver seas.

XIII.

What land or time can claim the Master Painter, Whose art could teach him half such gorgeous dyes?

Or skill so rare, but purer hues and fainter Melt every evening in my western skies.

XIV.

So there I wait, until the shade has lengthened, And night's blue misty curtain floated down; Then, with my heart calmed, and my spirit strengthened, I crawl once more back to the sultry town.

XV.

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