Volume 104 — MY LANDSCAPE.
Reading edition
Calm sea, the mirror of a cloudless sky, Blue mountains, in the purple distance fading, Tall, dark-hued pines, through which faint zephyrs sigh, A garden shading. A view that might inspire a poet's voice, Or minstrel's lute to sweetest music waken— I came to paint this subject of my choice; My place was taken! I muttered angry words between my teeth; I could not see the features of la bella, I only saw a dress and cloak beneath A great umbrella. Perhaps some girl, her hair a touzled mop, Plain-featured, round in shoulder, unpoetic, With hygienic boots that flatly flop— Old style æsthetic. I came a little closer, just to see. Ye gods, her looks and form were not alarming! A graceful, sweet-faced, dainty maiden she, Completely charming. The landscape that I loved was what she drew. I felt my coolness towards her quickly thawing; I also stayed to sketch that charming view— Here is my drawing.
