Poems (Linn)/A Tapestry Picture
A TAPESTRY PICTURE.
THEY were cunning hands and boldThat wrought on canvas this design:—Prancing horses, lifted spears,And still bright through all these years,Crimson robes and trappings fine.
Dust those hands are now, I ween!Shall yon tiger leap in vainAt the fallen rider? NowValiant men your weapons throw,Would you see him rise again.
It was mighty thus to work!It would seem that palm-tree mustBend toward you, and the skyFlush as with the sunset-dye.See that horse that paws the dust!
Ah! the bold, keen hand that wroughtThis design in colors strong,Shut within a convent wall,In some Arab tent, or hall,Of old Persia, claims a song.
Be it mine those hands to praiseWhich in lasting work excel.Though no name the ages give,Still immortal do they liveIn their works, who work so well.