17.12.2012, 12:58
In scanning o'er those masters of the hand
Which with genius strong creates anew,
(In poesy or with the limner's hue
Apply as if a bright enchanter's wand)
Did you with even rapt attention mark
One special artist, whose rich colours seem
Chasten'd reflections of a radiant dream
Whose shades are as th' illumin'd tempest dark?
Proportion and effect — a charm untold
Save by its almost living eloquence,
Francesca Francia — round whom the gold
Of a fair sunset does its light dispense,
As if e'en Nature's hand had deign'd to trace
All that th' admiring soul t' express, itself would grace.
Which with genius strong creates anew,
(In poesy or with the limner's hue
Apply as if a bright enchanter's wand)
Did you with even rapt attention mark
One special artist, whose rich colours seem
Chasten'd reflections of a radiant dream
Whose shades are as th' illumin'd tempest dark?
Proportion and effect — a charm untold
Save by its almost living eloquence,
Francesca Francia — round whom the gold
Of a fair sunset does its light dispense,
As if e'en Nature's hand had deign'd to trace
All that th' admiring soul t' express, itself would grace.