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—goddesses, saints, court ladies—

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 as voluptuous as nymphs.

It was a rich old gorgeous world you painted— For kings or prelates, what mattered!—palace or church!

You had a wonderful old glorious time!— And no doubt the ladies loved you!

Harriet Monroe