Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/251

Rh You are the first, After the master and myself, to look Upon this wonder. (with enthusiasm, looking for the first time at the picture). Ah, what an answer this For envious minds that would restrict his power To writhing limbs and shrivelled flesh! Repose, Beauty, and large simplicity are here. Yes, that is art ! Before such work I stand And feel myself a dwarf.

There, you are wrong. My father even, who knows his proper worth, Before his best achievements I have seen In like dejection ; t is the curse of genius. Oft have I heard the master grace your name With flattering addition.

’T is your goodness, And not the echo of his praise, that speaks. My work was worthless t was your generous voice Alone secured the master s second glance.

Nay, signer, frankly, he esteems your talent.