IT was a holy usage to record Upon each refectory's side or end The last mysterious Supper of our Lord, That meanest appetites might upward tend. Within the convent Palace of old Spain Rich with the gifts and monuments of Kings, Hung such a picture, said by some to reign The sovereign glory of those wondrous things. A Painter of far fame, in deep delight, Dwelt on each beauty he so well discerned, While, in low tones, a grey Geronomite This answer to his ecstasy returned. "Stranger! I have received my daily meal In this good company, now threescore years, And Thou, whoe'er Thou art, canst hardly feel How Time these lifeless images endears. "Lifeless, -- ah! no: both Faith and Art have given That passing hour a life of endless rest, And every soul who loves the food of Heaven May to that table come a welcome guest: "Lifeless, -- ah! no: while in mine heart are stored Sad memories of my brethren dead and gone, Familiar places vacant round @3our@1 board, And still @3that@1 silent Supper lasting on; "While I review my youth, -- what I was then, -- What I am now, and ye, beloved ones all! It seems as if @3these@1 were the living men, And @3we@1 the coloured shadows on the wall." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOMAGE TO SEXTUS PROPERTIUS: 2 by EZRA POUND AMERICAN NAMES by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET COLOGNE; EPIGRAM by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE SNOW-FLAKES by MARY ELIZABETH MAPES DODGE DIRGE (1) by RALPH WALDO EMERSON EVENING SONG OF THE TYROLESE PEASANTS by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS |