A Description of One of the Pieces of Tapistry at Long-Leat , made after the famous Cartons of Raphael ; in which , Elymas the Sorcerer is miraculously struck Blind by St. Paul before Sergius Paulus , the Proconsul of Asia . Inscribed to the Hon ble HENRY THYNNE , under the Name of THEANOR . Henry Thynne ("Theanor") (1675-1708) married Grace Strode ("Cleone"), the daughter and heiress of Sir George Strode and Grace FitzJames, in 1695. THUS Tapistry of old , the Walls adorn'd , Ere noblest Dames the artful Shuttle scorn'd : Arachne , then , with Pallas did contest , And scarce th' Immortal Work was judg'd the Best . Nor valorous Actions , then , in Books were sought ; But all the Fame , that from the Field was brought , Employ'd the Loom , where the kind Consort wrought : Whilst sharing in the Toil , she shar'd the Fame , And with the Heroes mixt her interwoven Name . No longer , Females to such Praise aspire , And seldom now We rightly do admire . So much , All Arts are by the Men engross'd , And Our few Talents unimprov'd or cross'd ; Even I , who on this Subject wou'd compose , Which the fam'd Urbin for his Pencil chose , ( And here , in tinctur'd Wool we now behold Correctly follow'd in each Shade , and Fold ) Shou'd prudently from the Attempt withdraw , But Inclination proves the stronger Law : And tho' the Censures of the World pursue These hardy Flights , whilst his Designs I view ; My burden'd Thoughts , which labour for a Vent , Urge me t'explain in Verse , what by each Face is meant . Of SERGIUS first , upon his lofty Seat , With due Regard our Observations treat ; Who , whilst he thence on ELYMAS looks down , Contracts his pensive Brow into a Frown , With Looks inquisitive he seeks the Cause Why Nature acts not still by Natures Laws . 'Twas but a Moment , since the Sorcerer's Sight Receiv'd the Day , and blaz'd infernal Light : Untouch'd , the Optiques in a Moment fail'd , Their fierce Illumination quench'd , or veil'd ; Throughout th' Extention of his ample Sway , No Fact , like this , the Roman cou'd survey , Who , with spread Hands , invites Mankind to gaze , And sympathize in the profound Amaze . To share his Wonder every one combines , By diff'rent Aspects shewn , and diff'rent Signs . A comely Figure , near the Consul plac'd , With serious Mildness and Instruction grac'd , To Others seems imparting what he saw , And shews the Wretch with reverential Awe : Whilst a more eager Person next we find , Viewing the Wizard with a Sceptick's Mind ; Who his fixt Eyes so near him do's apply , We think , enliv'ning Beams might from them fly , To re-inkindle , by so just an Aim , The radial Sparks , but lately check'd and tame , As Tapers new put-out will catch approaching Flame . But dire Surprize th' Enquiry do's succeed , Whilst full Conviction in his Face we read , And He , who question'd , now deplores the Deed . To sacred PAUL a younger Figure guides , With seeming Warmth , which still in Youth presides ; And pointing forward , Elder Men directs , In Him , to note the Cause of these Effects , Upon whose Brow do's evidently shine Deputed Pow'r , t' inflict the Wrath Divine Whilst sad and solemn , suited to their Years , Each venerable Countenance appears , Where , yet we see Astonishment reveal'd , Tho' by the Aged often 'tis conceal'd ; Who the Emotions of their Souls disguize , Lest by admiring they shou'd seem less Wise . But to thy Portrait , ELYMAS , we come Whose Blindness almost strikes the Poet dumb ; And whilst She vainly to Describe thee seeks , The Pen but traces , where the Pencil speaks . Of Darkness to be felt , our Scriptures write , Thou Darken'd seem'st , as thou woud'st feel the Light ; And with projected Limbs , betray'st a Dread , Of unseen Mischiefs , levell'd at thy Head . Thro' all thy Frame such Stupefaction reigns , As Night it self were sunk into thy Veins : Nor by the Eyes alone thy Loss we find , Each Lineament helps to proclaim thee Blind . An artful Dimness far diffus'd we grant , And failing seem all Parts through One important Want . Oh ! mighty RAPHAEL , justly sure renown'd ! Since in thy Works such Excellence is found ; No Wonder , if with Nature Thou'rt at strife , Who thus can paint the Negatives of Life ; And Deprivation more expressive make , Than the most perfect Draughts , which Others take . Whilst to this Chiefest Figure of the Piece , All that surround it , Heightnings do encrease : In some , Amazement by Extreams is shewn , Who viewing his clos'd Lids , extend their Own . Nor can , by that , enough their Thoughts express , Which op'ning Mouths seem ready to confess . Thus stand the LICTORS gazing on a Deed , Which do's all humane Chastisements exceed ; Enfeebl'd seem their Instruments of smart , When keener Words can swifter Ills impart . Thou , BARNABAS , though Last , not least our Care , Seem'st equally employ'd in Praise , and Prayer , Acknowledging th' Omnipotent Decree , Yet soft Compassion in thy Face we see : Whilst lifted Hands implore a kind Relief , Tho' no Impatience animates thy Grief ; But mild Suspence and Charity benign , Do all th' excesses of thy Looks confine . Thus far , our slow Imagination goes : Wou'd the more skill'd THE ANOR his disclose ; Expand the Scene , and open to our Sight What to his nicer Judgment gives Delight ; Whose soaring Mind do's to Perfections climb , Nor owns a Relish , but for Things sublime : Then , wou'd the Piece fresh Beauties still present , Nor Length of Time wou'd leave the Eye content : As Moments , Hours ; as Hours the Days wou'd seem , Observing here , taught to observe by HIM .