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,[527]
And hand reposing on the board in ruth
Of what it utters,[IH] while the unguilty seek
Unquestionable meanings—still bespeak