W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

The Look

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)

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 turnëd free

And went out speechless from the face of all,

And filled the silence, weeping, bitterly.