Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE LOOK by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE SAVIOUR LOOKED ON PETER. AY, NO WORD
Last Line: AND FILLED THE SILENCE, WEEPING BITTERLY.
Subject(s): PETER, SAINT (C. 64 A.D.); RELIGION; THEOLOGY;

THE Saviour looked on Peter. Ay, no word,
No gesture of reproach; the Heavens serene
Though heavy with armed justice, did not lean
Their thunders that way: the forsaken Lord
Looked only, on the traitor. None record
What that look was, none guess; for those who have seen
Wronged lovers loving through a death-pang keen,
Or pale-cheeked martyrs smiling to a sword,
Have missed Jehovah at the judgment-call.
And Peter, from the height of blasphemy --
'I never knew this man' -- did quail and fall
As knowing straight THAT GOD; and turned free
And went out speechless from the face of all,
And filled the silence, weeping bitterly.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net