Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A PAINTER, by THOMAS COLE (1801-1848)


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A PAINTER, by                    
First Line: I know 'tis vain ye mountains, and ye woods
Last Line: Their mystery of beauty! Then mine would be bliss!
Subject(s): Paintings & Painters


I know 'tis vain ye mountains, and ye woods,
To strive to match your wild, and wondrous hues,
Ye rocks and lakes, and ever rolling floods,
Gold-cinctur'd eve, or morn begemm'd with dews --

Yes, day by day & year by year Ive toild
In the lone chamber, and the sunny field
To match your beauty; but I have been foil'd:
I cannot conquer; but I will not yield --

How oft have I, where spread the pictur'd scene
Wrought on the canvas with fond, anxious care,
Deem'd I had equalled Natures, forests green,
Her lakes, her rocks, and e'en the ambient air.

Vain unpious thought! such feverish fancies sweep
Swift from the brain -- when Nature's landscapes break
Upon the thrilling sense -- O I could weep
Not that she is so beautiful; but I so weak --

O! for a power to snatch the living light
From heaven, & darkness from some deep abyss,
Made palpable: with skill to mingle right
Their mystery of beauty! then mine would be bliss!






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