Meaning Of The Look, The

Meaning Of The Look, The

I think that look of Christ might seem to say--

Thou Peter ! art thou then a common stone

Which I at last must break my heart upon

For all Gods charge to his high angels may

Guard my foot better ? Did I yesterday

Wash thy feet, my beloved, that they should run

Quick to deny me neath the morning sun ?

And do thy kisses, like the rest, betray ?

The cock crows coldly.--GO, and manifest

A late contrition, but no bootless fear !

For when thy final need is dreariest,

Thou shalt not be denied, as I am here;

My voice to God and angels shall attest,

Because I KNOW this man, let him be clear.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning