Poems (Linn)/A Tapestry Picture
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A TAPESTRY PICTURE.
THEY were cunning hands and bold
That wrought on canvas this design:—
Prancing horses, lifted spears,
And still bright through all these years,
Crimson robes and trappings fine.
That 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 vain
At the fallen rider? Now
Valiant men your weapons throw,
Would you see him rise again.
Shall yon tiger leap in vain
At the fallen rider? Now
Valiant men your weapons throw,
Would you see him rise again.
It was mighty thus to work!
It would seem that palm-tree must
Bend toward you, and the sky
Flush as with the sunset-dye.
See that horse that paws the dust!
It would seem that palm-tree must
Bend toward you, and the sky
Flush as with the sunset-dye.
See that horse that paws the dust!
Ah! the bold, keen hand that wrought
This design in colors strong,
Shut within a convent wall,
In some Arab tent, or hall,
Of old Persia, claims a song.
This 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 praise
Which in lasting work excel.
Though no name the ages give,
Still immortal do they live
In their works, who work so well.
Which in lasting work excel.
Though no name the ages give,
Still immortal do they live
In their works, who work so well.