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Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Mar 6, 1806
to
Jun 29, 1861
Other Works
Work And Contemplation The House Of Clouds May's Love Insufficiency The Prisoner Void In Law The Seraph And Poet On A Portrait Of Wordsworth Comfort (Speak low to me, my Saviour, low and sweet ...) An Apprehension Adequacy Work (What are we set on earth for? ...) The Look Grief The Soul's Expression Cheerfulness Taught By Reason A Thought For A Lonely Death-Bed That Day Substitution The Two SayingsThe Meaning Of The Look
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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 deathly need is obdurest,
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.
Source:
The Poems Of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 1Copyright 1853
C. S. Francis & Co., 262 Broadway, New York
Crosby & Nichols, Boston