Xxxv

Elvire, do you recall when, years ago, our home The intimation reached, a certain pride of Rome, Authenticated piece, in the third, last and best Manner--whatever, fools and connoisseurs contest,-- No particle disturbed by rude restorer's touch, The palaced picture-pearl, so long eluding clutch Of creditor, at last, the Rafael might--could we But come to terms--change lord, pass from the Prince to me? I think you recollect my fever of a year: How the Prince would, and how he would not; now,--too dear That promise was, he made his grandsire so long since, Rather to boast "I own a Rafael" than "am Prince!" And now, the fancy soothed--if really sell he must His birthright for a mess of pottage--such a thrust I' the vitals of the Prince were mollified by balm, Could he prevail upon his stomach to bear qualm, And bequeath Liberty (because a purchaser Was ready with the sum--a trifle!) yes, transfer His heart at all events to that land where, at least, Free institutions reign! And so, its price increased Fivefold (Americans are such importunates!), Soon must his Rafael start for the United States. Oh, alternating bursts of hope now, then despair! At last, the bargain 's struck, I 'm all but beggared, there The Rafael faces me, in fine, no dream at all, My housemate, evermore to glorify my wall. A week must pass, before heart-palpitations sink, In gloating o'er my gain, so late I edged the brink Of doom; a fortnight more, I spend in Paradise: "Was outline e'er so true, could coloring entice So calm, did harmony and quiet so avail? How right, how resolute, the action tells the tale!" A month, I bid my friends congratulate their best: "You happy Don!" (to me): "The blockhead!" (to the rest): "No doubt he thinks his daub original, poor dupe!" Then I resume my life: one chamber must not coop Man's life in, though it boast a marvel like my prize. Next year, I saunter past with unaverted eyes, Nay, loll and turn my back: perchance to overlook With relish, leaf by leaf, Doré's last picture-book.