Religion
The Meaning of the Look
From Poems (1844; Wikisource 1887 text)
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 bitterest,
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."
Cite this poem
MLA
Browning, Elizabeth Barrett. “The Meaning of the Look.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/browning_e/264/.
Chicago
Browning, Elizabeth Barrett. “The Meaning of the Look.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/browning_e/264/.
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