Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/126

132 The Master, in that hour. Then, his blest voice Assur'd their fainting hearts, and full of joy, Peter, with eager footstep, fain would go To meet his Lord. The loud and boisterous blast Swept through his locks, and the cold surge rose high Around his shuddering breast, and his foot fail'd Amid the awful tides. "Oh save!" he cried,— "Save! or I perish!" Jesus stretch'd his hand And snatch'd him from the waves. Then on the deck Amid the glad disciples, safe he stood, Fill'd with adoring gratitude,—while all Gave praise and glory to the Son of God. So Peter learn'd it was not given to man To plant his foot upon the stormy main And rule its wrath, for in its thundering might It sweeps him like a noteless weed away.

This Bible story was most sweet to me, As on my childish ear, from lips revered, At eventide it fell. And much I mused