Or the Pantheon façade, or Michel Angelo’s figures,

Or, at a wish, when I please, the Alban hills and the Forum,—

But that face, those eyes,—ah, no, never anything like them;

Only, try as I will, a sort of featureless outline,

And a pale blank orb, which no recollection will add to.

After all, perhaps there was something factitious about it;

I have had pain, it is true: I have wept, and so have the actors.


At the last moment I have your letter, for which I was waiting;

I have taken my place, and see no good in inquiries.