Classic Poem

Steeped in the glow and glory of old Rome —
So old, so young, in life, and death, and art —
His pictures shine, so near to Truth's great heart,
That through the ages Truth has in her home
The brightest stars in her celestial dome
Kept them alive; and will, till time is done,
Fill them with stronger light than fire or sun.
Great Prince of Painters! laurel wreathes his name;
The world may babble, — she's an ancient dame!
And say his life and art held much of clay,
Reproaching him; yet saints fell on their way.
If sin repented be a blot on fame,
His fame is fameless, though he reached fame's goal,
And left us glory shining from his soul.