Da Vinci's last supper is placed behind the benches prepared for the
priests whose feet are to be washed by the Pope: and the other, which
represents Providence seated on the globe between Justice and Charity,
above two lions holding banners of the church, is placed over the
throne. The Pope is habited in a red cope, and wears a mitre. Seated
on His throne, and surrounded by cardinals, prelates, and other
dignitaries of His court, He puts incense into the thurible, being
assisted as usual by the first Cardinal priest. He then gives the
blessing, usual before the gospel is sung, to the Cardinal-deacon
habited in his sacred vestments, who sings that beautiful passage of
the gospel of S. John, which explains the origin of this ceremony:
"Jesus knowing that his hour was come, that he should pass out of
this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world,
he loved them to the end. Knowing that the Father had given him all
things into his hands, he began to wash the feet of his disciples, and
wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded, and he said to them;
If I being Lord and Master have washed your feet, you also ought to
wash one another's feet; for I have given you an example, that as I
have done to you, so you do also". At the end of the gospel, the Pope
kisses the book, the Cardinal Deacon incenses Him as usual, and the
choir begins to sing beautiful anthems allusive to the affecting
ceremony, and recommending charity, the distinctive virtue of
Christians, more precious than even faith and hope. The Pope's cope is
then taken off, and a towel is fastened to his girdle by the assisting
Card. deacons; and then, in imitation of his Divine Master, he washes
and kisses the right foot[72] of 13 priests, called the _apostles_,
dressed in _cappe_ of white cloth, and wearing high cap, which in form
resemble those on the bas-reliefs of Persepolis: each of them receives
from Him a towel, and a nosegay, besides a gold and silver medal
presented by the Treasurer[73]. The Pope then returns to his throne,