'Tis said of Mona Lisa, that those years She gave us that we might behold her face In all its indefinable rare grace, As on the immortal canvas it appears, — 'Tis said those were from trouble, and from tears, Exempted years; and that, all through the place Where Leonardo painted her, the days Found ever scents that charm, and sound that cheers. Dear one, no Leonardo paints thy smile; Few flowers, and little music, oft there be To charm away the world's anxiety; Yet, oh, thy patient face hath all the while A more mysterious loveliness than stirs The heart of him who hath seen only hers! |