Page:The Vow of the Peacock.pdf/196

Rh

There hung one lovely portrait, and for hours Would Guido, in the fulness of his heart, Kneel, watching till he wept. The subject was A dying Magdalene. Her long black hair Spread round her like a shroud, one pale thin hand Pillowed a cheek as thin and pale, and scarce The blue light of the eyes was visible For the death dampness on the darkened lids;— As one more effort to look on the cross, Which seemed just falling from the fainting arm, And they would close for ever. In that look There was a painter's immortality, And Guido felt it deeply, for a gift Like his whose work that was, was given him,— A gift of beauty and of power,—and soon He lived but in the exquisite creations