Tho’ searching damps and many an envious flaw

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 marr’d this Work, the calm etherial 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; the brow, the cheek,
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!