Poem by Harriet Monroe

Rubens

Here you are, grand old sensualist!
And here are the three goddesses
    displaying their charms to Paris.
It was all one to you &mdash goddesses, saints, court ladies &mdash
Your world was all curves of flesh
    rolling curves repeated like a shell.
Mary Magdalen was almost as good copy as Venus,
Angels might be voluptuous as nymphs.

It was a rich old gorgeous world you painted &mdash
For kinds or prelates, what mattered! &mdash palace or church!
You had a wonderful, glorious time! &mdash
And no doubt the ladies loved you.

1. Battle-Flags of Illinois
2. In the Beginning
3. The Meeting
4. On the Porch
5. For a Child

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