Poem by Elizabeth Barrett-Browning

The Meaning of the Look

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 God's 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.' 

1. The Holy Night
2. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 40. Oh, yes! they love through all this world of ours!
3. Cheerfulness Taught by Reason
4. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 12. Indeed this very love which is my boast
5. Rosalind's Scroll

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