Page:New poems and variant readings, Stevenson, 1918.djvu/132

112 Before the growing canvas, and anon

Once more approach and put the climax on:

So she awhile withdrew, her piece she viewed—

For half a moment half supposed it good—

Spied her mistake, nor sooner spied than ran

To remedy; and with the greater fan,

In gracious better thought, equipped the guest.

From ill to well, from better on to best,

Arts move; the homely, like the plastic kind;

And high ideals fired that infant mind.

Once more she backed, once more a space apart

Considered and reviewed her work of art:

Doubtful at first, and gravely yet awhile;

Till all her features blossomed in a smile.

And the child, waking at the call of bliss,

To each she ran, and took and gave a kiss.

NOW BARE TO THE BEHOLDER'S EYE

bare to the beholder's eye

Your late denuded bindings lie,

Subsiding slowly where they fell,

A disinvested citadel;

The obdurate corset, Cupid's foe,

The Dutchman's breeches frilled below.

Those that the lover notes to note,

And white and crackling petticoat.