A Portrait-study (3)

Polystratus There you acted your stony part to perfection. As you could neither follow her, nor make inquiries of the Smyrnaean, it only remains for you to describe her as best you can, on the chance of my recognizing her.

Lycinus You know not what you ask. It is not in the power of words—certainly not of my words—to portray such wondrous beauty; scarcely could an Apelles, a Zeuxis, a Parrhasius,— a Phidias or an Alcamenes, do justice to it; as for my flimsy workmanship, it will but insult the original.

Polystratus Well, never mind; what was she like? There can be no harm in trying your hand. What if the portrait be somewhat out of drawing?—the critic is your good friend.

Lycinus I think my best way out of it will be to call in the aid of some of the old masters I have named: let them fashion the likeness for me.

Polystratus Well, but—will they come? They have been dead so long.

Lycinus That is easily managed: but you must not mind answering me a few questions.

Polystratus You have but to ask.