Technique

Cometh to-day the very skilful man;
Profoundly skilful in his chosen art;
All things that other men can do he can,
And do them better. He is very smart.

Sayeth, “My work is here before you all;
Come now with duly cultured mind to view it.
Here is great work, no part of it is small;
Perceive how well I do it!

“I do it to perfection. Studious years
Were spent to reach the pinnacle I’ve won;
Labor and thought are in my work, and tears.
Behold how well ’tis done!

“See with what power this great effect is shown;
See with what ease you get the main idea;
A master in my art, I stand alone;
Now you may praise,—I hear.”

And I, “O master, I perceive your sway,
I note the years of study, toil, and strain
That brought the easy power you wield to-day,
The height you now attain.

“Freely your well-trained power I see you spend,
Such skill in all my life I never saw;
You have done nobly; but, my able friend,
What have you done it for?

“You have no doubt achieved your dearest end:
Your work is faultless to the cultured view.
You do it well, but, O my able friend,
What is it that you do?”