Page:Poems (IA poemstennalfr00tennrich).pdf/85

XIV.
^[1]Or the maidmother by a crucifix,
In yellow pastures sunnywarm,
Beneath branchwork of costly sardonyx,
Sat smiling, babe in arm.

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1. When I first conceived the plan of the Palace of Art, I intended to have Introduced both sculptures and paintings into it; but it is the most difficult of all things to devise a statue in verse. Judge whether I have succeeded in the statues of Elijah and Olympias.
   One was the Tishbite whom the raven fed,
   As when he stood on Carmel-steeps,
   With one arm stretched out bare, and mocked and said,
   "Come cry aloud—be sleeps."
   
   

   Tall, eager, lean and strong, his cloak windborne
   Behind, his forehead heavenly-bright
   From the clear marble pouring glorious scorn,
   Lit as with inner light.
   
   

   One was Olympias: the floating snake
   Rolled round her ancles, round her waist
   Knotted, and folded once about her neck,
   Her perfect lips to taste
   
   

   Round by the shoulder moved; she seeming blythe
   Declined her head: on every side
   The dragon's curves melted and mingled with
   The woman's youthful pride
   
   

   Of rounded limbs.