But the picture which all children love best is one in Florence called 'The Madonna of the goldfinch.
"Knights of Art Stories of the Italian Painters"
Amy Steedman
His hand is stretched out protectingly over a yellow goldfinch which St. John, a sturdy little figure clad in goatskins, has just brought to Him.
"Knights of Art Stories of the Italian Painters"
Amy Steedman
Donne's charming lines, for instance- 'All the air is thy diocese, And all the chirping choristers And other birds are thy parishioners: Thou marriest every year The lyrique lark, and the grave whispering dove, The sparrow, that neglects his life for love, The household bird with the red stomacher; Thou mak'st the blackbird speed as soon As doth the goldfinch or the halcyon.
"Prose Fancies"
Richard Le Gallienne