MEMORIALS OF A TOUR ON THE CONTINENT, 1820

XXV. THE LAST SUPPER

BY LEONARDO DA VINCI, IN THE REFECTORY OF THE CONVENT OF MARIA DELLA GRAZIA--MILAN

          THO' searching damps and many an envious flaw
          Have marred this Work; the calm ethereal grace,
          The love deep-seated in the Saviour's face,
          The mercy, goodness, have not failed to awe
          The Elements; as they do melt and thaw
          The heart of the Beholder--and erase
          (At least for one rapt moment) every trace
          Of disobedience to the primal law.
          The annunciation of the dreadful truth
          Made to the Twelve, survives: lip, forehead, cheek,         10
          And hand reposing on the board in ruth
          Of what it utters, while the unguilty seek
          Unquestionable meanings--still bespeak
          A labour worthy of eternal youth!