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8
THE MADONNA DI SAN SISTO
Than ivory most fair, than purest gold,
More ivory, more fair, and stronger to uphold.
On cherubs twain, whom watching has made wise,
A spell has fallen—a prophetic dream;
Their upward-gazing and far-seeing eyes,
Like stars reflected in a tranquil stream,
To look beyond the Child and Mother seem;
A twisted thorn-branch and a cross to them
Are manifest — His throne and diadem.
High heaven open stands, and there a crowd
Of worshippers with love-lit eyes appear,