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_.'
--_Elizabeth Barrett Browning._