Quo Vadis?

Peter, outworn, And menaced by the sword, Shook off the dust of Rome; And, as he fled, Met one, with eager face, Hastening cityward, And, to his vast amaze, It was The Lord. "Lord, whither goest Thou?" He cried, importunate, And Christ replied,-- "Peter, I suffer loss. I go to take thy place, To bear thy cross."

Then Peter bowed his head, Discomforted; There, at the Master's feet, Found grace complete, And courage, and new faith, And turned--with Him, To Death.

So we,-- Whene'er we fail Of our full duty, Cast on Him our load,-- Who suffered sore for us, Who frail flesh wore for us, Who all things bore for us,-- On Christ, The Lord.