Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/337

 REDEMPTION. 331

(Pity and love ineffable diffused,)

And oil of joy pours in their troubled souls.

Th' indulgence craved, his pard'ning poVr dispensed,

And sweet with words their anxious fears repress'd.

Beside them on the shore, glow'd living coals,

With fish and bread, miraculous prepared.

To these, with zest, as Jesus bade, they turn,

And nature's wants, long abstinent, supply ;

When, turning to the Chief, the Master said :

"Simon, lovest thou me more than do these?" Who thus " Yea, Lord, thou know'st that I love thee." Him Jesus then commission'd "Feed my lambs." He thus again "Simon, lovest thou me?" " Yea, Lord, thou knowest I love thee ;" Peter said. Anew the Arbiter divine " Feed my lambs." Mildly the third time " Simon, lov'st thou me ?" At this, the Primate grieved, whilst copious tears Gush'd from his melting eyes, in answ'ring woe. His former weakness fresh his bosom heaved, Contrasting with his promise res' lute made, Though all should be offended, yet not I, Which thrice was broken ere the cock did crow. Now thrice the Lord had ask'd Dost thou love me ? Did then the Master doubt, or fear his truth ? Then, why address him Simon, as before He changed his name, and gave the keys of heav'n ? Was he henceforth unworthy heav'nly power ? Nor more design'd the Rock of truth to be ? Such thoughts perturbed his throbbing breast; but, nor His doubts resolved, nor burning anguish sooth' d. With sobbing voice, and accent trembling, slow, And fear lest he, perchance, again should fail,

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