And noble fire did ring in all thy words.
Thou didst express a wish to me that day—
Which seemed to me most strange and curious—
To be my pupil didst thou then desire.
And of a truth thou hast throughout these years
With utmost diligence absorbed thyself
In all I had to say on world events.
And, as we grew more intimate, I then
Did know the riddle of thine artist life,
And each new picture proved a fresh surprise.