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| WHAT tears are these that flow so fast? | |
| The cock hath crowed for coming dawn, | |
| Twice hath he crowed, the night hath past; | |
| With new day let new hope be born. | |
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| It was the Lord at cock-crow came; | 5 |
| Like Moses’ rod with double stroke, | |
| A voice smote Simon in his shame; | |
| Christ looked,—the strong man’s heart was broke. | |
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| He weeps, and bitter are his tears, | |
| As bitter as his words are base, | 10 |
| As urgent as the sudden fears | |
| Which even love refused to face. | |
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| O, love so false and yet so true, | |
| O, love so eager yet so weak, | |
| In these sad waters born anew | 15 |
| Thy tongue shall yet in triumph speak. | |
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| Thou livest, and the boaster dies, | |
| Dies with the night that wrought his shame; | |
| Thou livest, and these tears baptise— | |
| Simon, now Peter is thy name. | 20 |
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| A rock, upon Himself the Rock | |
| Christ places thee this awful day; | |
| Him waves assault with direful shock, | |
| And cover thee with maddening spray. | |
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| But safe art thou, for strong is He! | 25 |
| Eternal Love all love will keep: | |
| The sweet shall as the bitter be; | |
| Thou shalt rejoice as thou dost weep. | |
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