 | Lyra Pastoralis |  |
113
Milton's Portrait
ON RECEIVING FROM MY FRIEND, DR. GROSART, HIS ENGRAVING OF MILTON IN OLD AGE BY ALAIS, AFTER FAITHORNE, 1670
Grosart, we thank thee, and the cunning handOf the engraver, called by thee to limn
A face which saw beyond the narrow rim
Of earth's horizon—tranquil, solemn, grand.
What wondrous airs of Paradise have fanned
That furrowed brow, what glorious sights made dim
Those eyes upraised to catch the skirts of Him
Around whose throne the shining seraphs stand.
And as we gaze upon that countenance marr'd
E'en as the Master's was, with mortal care,
Affliction and neglect,—O mighty Bard,
We learn from thee, if not to sing, to bear—
To work and pray and patiently abide
Till earthly toils and tears are glorified!
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