II

Andrew Brings Simon
St. John i. 40-43

by C. M. S. Mason

Together had they drawn the laden net,
Together watched the stars on midnight sea,
The brothers, Andrew and Simon, fishers both ;---
Andrew, contemplative, and Simon, bold,
Firm and unstable, passionate and sweet,
Chafing and loving his more steadfast brother ; ---
Andrew must find him first, his due to hear
Before all others the News should change their life.
Nor simple Andrew's task ; how tell to him,
Hasty of speech, in judgment all too quick ?
But Andrew knew his brother ; told his tale
In fewest words, nor offered evidence,
Save the sure proof of passionate conviction :
"We have found Messiah," saith he. Arrested,
Simon made no question ; had not the two
In many a midnight watch talked of the Christ,
How he was due to Israel at this time,
And how when He should come they two would follow?

Not unprepared the brothers ; when Simon heard,
He let his brother lead him to the Lord;
And Jesus looked upon him ; in that look,
Simon perceived that all in him was known ; ---
The restless eagerness that found small vent
In fisher's labours ; love that scarce could spend
Its wealth on home and kin ; nay, Christ saw more ;
"Thou are Simon, son of John," He said : "Cephas
Thy name henceforth" ; so Peter was he called
The new name given by Him who knows to name
Us all ; repose and strength He recognised
In him all men knew as restless, fickle, turned
This way and that by his uneasy soul ;
A very Rock of the Church Christ saw in him.
And Peter? Did his eager heart fly home
As doves to their window ? He who knows us rules.
Always accessible to those who seek,
Perceiving virtue that none other sees,
Knowing what processes the years have wrought
In each man's nature, what there slumbers still ; ---
Small wonder men were drawn with cords of a man
To this so winning Lord, aware of each !
Three followed him already --- fishers all.