19613661366At last she calls to mind where hangs a piece
13671367Of skillful painting, made for Priam's Troy,
13681368Before the which is drawn the power of Greece,
13691369For Helen's rape, the city to destroy,
13701370Threat'ning cloud-kissing Ilion with annoy,
13711371Which the conceited painter drew so proud
13721372As heaven, it seemed, to kiss the turrets bowed.
13741374In scorn of nature, art gave lifeless life.
13751375Many a dry drop seemed a weeping tear
13761376Shed for the slaughtered husband by the wife.
13771377The red blood reeked to show the painter's strife,
13781378And dying eyes gleamed forth their ashy lights
13791379Like dying coals burnt out in tedious nights.
13811381Begrimed with sweat and smearèd all with dust;
13821382And from the towers of Troy, there would appear
13831383The very eyes of men through loopholes thrust,
13841384Gazing upon the Greeks with little lust.
13851385Such sweet observance in this work was had
13861386That one might see those far-off eyes look sad.
13881388You might behold, triumphing in their faces;
13891389In youth, quick bearing and dexterity;
13901390And here and there the painter interlaces
13911391Pale cowards marching on with trembling paces,
13921392Which heartless peasants did so well resemble
13931393That one would swear he saw them quake and tremble.
13951395Of physiognomy might one behold!
13961396The face of either ciphered either's heart;
13971397Their face their manners most expressly told:
13981398In Ajax' eyes blunt rage and rigor rolled,
13991399But the mild glance that sly Ulysses lent
14001400Showed deep regard and smiling government.