For canonisation of a hopeful chance
Of full apotheosis, and the right
Of putting on the nimbus.
There, 'tis finished:
And—on the whole—'twere well I had not limned it!
'Twas tempting, yes, and pleasant in the painting,
But—well, I've paid for it, and much misdoubt
If it was worth the price. Followers applaud,
I—suffer. Oh, that mob of scuffling men,
Clawing and cursing, while the gallery hissed!