Frank Lloyd Wright

THE EVE OF ST. AGNES (1896)

Illustrations of "The Eve of St. Agnes"

The Eve of Saint Agnes (1880)

	Date: 1880 Title: 1) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza IV", Title page. Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. Illustrated in Nineteen Etchings. By Charles O. Murray. Two versions: Burgundy and Dark Green Cloth Hard Cover. "Few poets have ever gained a deeper hold on the affections of their readers than John Keats; and it is with a feeling almost of personal gratulation that these will view the new edition of ‘The Eve of St. Agnes.’ in which that sweetest and tenderest of poems appears with sumptuous provisions of print and paper, and illustrated with nineteen beautiful etchings by Charles O. Murray. So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). Printed one side only on stiff paper with tissue bound in front of each illustration. .Each illustration is bordered by impress of metal plate. Title page plate 4.125 x 3.5. Other plates 7.375 x 10.625. Large size, 10.5 x 14.25. Original list price 2 (Ł); $10. IV That ancient Beadsman heard the prelude soft; And so it chanc'd, for many a door was wide, From hurry to and fro. Soon, up aloft, The silver, snarling trumpets 'gan to chide: The level chambers, ready with their pride, Were glowing to receive a thousand guests: The carved angels, ever eager-eyed, Star'd, where upon their heads the cornice rests, With hair blown back, and wings put cross-wise on their breasts. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes", Title Page. Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes", Title Page. Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 2) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza I". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). I St Agnes' Eve---Ah, bitter chill it was! The owl, for all his feathers, was a-cold; The hare limp'd trembling through the frozen grass, And silent was the flock in woolly fold: Numb were the Beadsman's fingers, while he told His rosary, and while his frosted breath, Like pious incense from a censer old, Seem'd taking flight for heaven, without a death, Past the sweet Virgin's picture, while his prayer he saith. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 3) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza I". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). I St Agnes' Eve---Ah, bitter chill it was! The owl, for all his feathers, was a-cold; The hare limp'd trembling through the frozen grass, And silent was the flock in woolly fold: Numb were the Beadsman's fingers, while he told His rosary, and while his frosted breath, Like pious incense from a censer old, Seem'd taking flight for heaven, without a death, Past the sweet Virgin's picture, while his prayer he saith. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 4) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza II". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). II His prayer he saith, this patient, holy man; Then takes his lamp, and riseth from his knees, And back returneth, meagre, barefoot, wan, Along the chapel aisle by slow degrees: The sculptur'd dead, on each side, seem to freeze, Emprison'd in black, purgatorial rails: Knights, ladies, praying in dumb orat'ries, He passeth by; and his weak spirit fails To think how they may ache in icy hoods and mails. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 5) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza V". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). V At length burst in the argent revelry, With plume, tiara, and all rich array, Numerous as shadows haunting fairily The brain, new-stuff'd, in youth, with triumphs gay Of old romance. These let us wish away, And turn, sole-thoughted, to one lady there, Whose heart had brooded, all that wintry day, On love, and wing'd St Agnes' saintly care, As she had heard old dames full rnany times declare. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 6) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza VII". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). VII Full of this whim was thoughtful Madeline: The music, yearning like a God in pain, She scarcely heard: her maiden eyes divine, Fix'd on the floor, saw many a sweeping train Pass by---she heeded not at all: in vain Came many a tiptoe, amorous cavalier, And back retir'd; not cool'd by high disdain, But she saw not: her heart was otherwhere; She sigh'd for Agnes' dreams, the sweetest of the year. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 7) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XI". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XI Ah, happy chance! the aged creature came, Shuffling along with ivory-headed wand, To where he stood, hid from the torch's flame, Behind a broad hall-pillar, far beyond The sound of merriment and chorus bland. He startled her; but soon she knew his face, And grasp'd his fingers in her palsied hand, Saying, "Mercy, Porphyro! hie thee from this place; "They are all here to-night, the whole blood-thirsty race! (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 8) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XV". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XV Feebly she laugheth in the languid moon, While Porphyro upon her face doth look, Like puzzled urchin on an aged crone Who keepeth clos'd a wondrous riddle-book, As spectacled she sits in chimney nook. But soon his eyes grew brilliant, when she told His lady's purpose; and he scarce could brook Tears, at the thought of those enchantments cold And Madeline asleep in lap of legends old. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 9) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXI". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXI So saying, she hobbled off with busy fear. The lover's endless minutes slowly pass'd; The Dame return'd, and whisper'd in his ear To follow her; with aged eyes aghast From fright of dim espial. Safe at last Through many a dusky gallery, they gain The maiden's chamber, silken, hush'd and chaste; Where Porphyro took covert, pleas'd amain. His poor guide hurried back with agues in her brain. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 10) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXV". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXV Full on this casement shone the wintry moon, And threw warm gules on Madeline's fair breast, As down she knelt for heaven's grace and boon; Rose-bloom fell on her hands, together prest, And on her silver cross soft amethyst, And on her hair a glory, like a saint: She seem'd a splendid angel, newly drest, Save wings, for heaven:---Porphyro grew faint: She knelt, so pure a thing, so free from mortal taint. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 11) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXVI". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXVI Anon his heart revives: her vespers done, Of all its wreathed pearls her hair she frees; Unclasps her warmed jewels one by one; Loosens her fragrant bodice; by degrees Her rich attire creeps rustling to her knees: Half-hidden, like a mermaid in sea-weed, Pensive awhile she dreams awake, and sees, In fancy, fair St Agnes in her bed, But dares not look behind, or all the charm is fled. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 12) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXVI". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXVI Anon his heart revives: her vespers done, Of all its wreathed pearls her hair she frees; Unclasps her warmed jewels one by one; Loosens her fragrant bodice; by degrees Her rich attire creeps rustling to her knees: Half-hidden, like a mermaid in sea-weed, Pensive awhile she dreams awake, and sees, In fancy, fair St Agnes in her bed, But dares not look behind, or all the charm is fled. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 13) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXVIII". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXVIII Stol'n to this paradise, and so entranced, Porphyro gazed upon her empty dress, And listen'd to her breathing, if it chanced To wake into a slumbrous tenderness; Which when he heard, that minute did he bless, And breath'd himself: then from the closet crept, Noiseless as fear in a wide wilderness, And over the hush'd carpet, silent, stept, And 'tween the curtains peep'd, where, lo!---how fast she slept! (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 14) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXXI". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXXI These delicates he heap'd with glowing hand On golden dishes and in baskets bright Of wreathed silver: sumptuous they stand In the retired quiet of the night, Filling the chilly room with perfume light.--- "And now, my love, my seraph fair, awake! Thou art my heaven, and I thine eremite: Open thine eyes, for meek St Agnes' sake, Or I shall drowse beside thee, so my soul doth ache." (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 15) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXXIV". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXXIV Her eyes were open, but she still beheld, Now wide awake, the vision of her sleep: There was a painful change, that nigh expell'd The blisses of her dream so pure and deep, At which fair Madeline began to weep, And moan forth witless words with many a sigh; While still her gaze on Porphyro would keep; Who knelt, with joined hands and piteous eye, Fearing to move or speak, she look'd so dreamingly. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 16) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XXXIX". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XXXIX "Hark! 'tis an elfin-storm from faery land, Of haggard seeming, but a boon indeed: Arise---arise! the morning is at hand;--- The bloated wassailers will never heed:--- Let us away, my love, with happy speed; There are no ears to hear, or eyes to see,--- Drown'd all in Rhenish and the sleepy mead: Awake! arise! my love, and fearless be, For o'er the southern moors I have a home for thee." (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 17) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XLI". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XLI They glide, like phantoms, into the wide hall; Like phantoms, to the iron porch, they glide; Where lay the Porter, in uneasy sprawl, With a huge empty flagon by his side: The wakeful bloodhound rose, and shook his hide, But his sagacious eye an inmate owns: By one, and one, the bolts fill easy slide:--- The chains lie silent on the footworn stones,--- The key turns, and the door upon its hinges groans. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 18) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XLII". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XLII And they are gone: ay, ages long ago These lovers fled away into the storm. That night the Baron dreamt of many a woe, And all his warrior-guests, with shade and form Of witch, and demon, and large coffin-worm, Were long be-nightmar'd. Angela the old Died palsy-twitch'd, with meagre face deform; The Beadsman, after thousand aves told, For aye unsought for slept among his ashes cold. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

	Date: 1880 Title: 19) "The Eve of St. Agnes, Stanza XLII". Artist: Charles O. Murray Description: The Eve of St. Agnes. By John Keats. This volume was the largest, most elaborately and expensive volume to produce to date. "So delicately fine are these designs, and so harmonious are all the details of the book, one hesitates to describe or praise it, but feels rather like going at once and bringing his and Keats’s dearest friend, and saying in triumph, ’Look!’ " (Dial, Dec 1880 p.160). XLII And they are gone: ay, ages long ago These lovers fled away into the storm. That night the Baron dreamt of many a woe, And all his warrior-guests, with shade and form Of witch, and demon, and large coffin-worm, Were long be-nightmar'd. Angela the old Died palsy-twitch'd, with meagre face deform; The Beadsman, after thousand aves told, For aye unsought for slept among his ashes cold. (Left) Reproduced in "The Eve of St. Agnes". Published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington, London. And Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York.

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