Classic Poem

Velasquez tried to picture Antique themes,
And harried Italy for pulseless schemes;
Yet he, one of the masters paint has known,
Turned back to Life for perfect truth of tone.

Poor Leonardo roamed with restless feet,
His work, with rare exceptions, incomplete.
An amateur of many arts was he,
Master of none that he has let us see;
Despite his eager quest of stately style—
Maugre the Mona Lisa's mirthless smile.