She had a lover once!—Don’t that surprise?
On a Painter, who stabbed a man fastened to a Cross, that he might draw the picture of the Crucifixion more naturally.
While his Redeemer on his canvas dies,
Stabbed at his feet his brother weltering lies.
The daring artist, cruelly serene.
Views the pale cheek, and the distorted mien;
He drains off life by drops, and deaf to cries,
Examines every spirit as it flies;
He studies torment, dives in mortal woe,
To rouse up every pang repeats his blow;