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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE MEANING OF THE LOOK by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Poet Analysis

First Line: I THINK THAT LOOK OF CHRIST MIGHT SEEM TO SAY
Last Line: BECAUSE I KNOW THIS MAN, LET HIM BE CLEAR.'
Subject(s): JESUS CHRIST - SUFFERING & SACRIFICE; PETER, SAINT (C. 64 A.D.); RELIGION; THEOLOGY;

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.'



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