Percival's Picture Gallery by Charlotte Maria Tucker

SEYTON. The subject of this picture of yours is simple enough. The harp at his feet; the crown by his side; the scroll before him-mark David, the poet-king. He appears to be under the immediate influence of inspiration, there is such intense earnestness in his upward gaze. The reed-pen has dropped from his hand; and one would think that Heaven was opening before his eyes, save for the pained-almost terrified-expression on his countenance, an expression which could come from no vision of bliss. Why have you represented the prophet thus?

Percival. A legend of King David formed itself out of some thoughts which came into my mind, while meditating over the Twenty-second Psalm. To us, with the scene on Calvary as its key, the meaning of the prophecy contained in that Psalm is clear. But what a mystery it must have been to him who wrote it under the inspiration of the Spirit!