| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1359. An Unpraised Picture |
| | | By Richard Burton |
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| I SAW a picture once by Angelo. | |
| “Unfinished,” said the critic; “done in youth;” | |
| And that was all, no thought of praise, forsooth! | |
| He was informed, and doubtless it was so. | |
| And yet, I let an hour of dreaming go | 5 |
| The way of all time, touched to tears and ruth, | |
| Passion and joy, the prick of conscience’ tooth, | |
| Before that careworn Christ’s divine, soft glow. | |
| The painter’s yearning with an unsure hand | |
| Had moved me more than might his master days; | 10 |
| He seemed to speak like one whose Meccaland | |
| Is first beheld, though faint and far the ways; | |
| Who may not then his shaken voice command, | |
| Yet trembles forth a word of prayer and praise. | |
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