When about to return to his father in Heaven;
His mission accomplished, his work on earth done,
’Twas then that this parting injunction was given:
“Feed my lambs!” this was said to one of the twelve,
Whom he called to be with him while sojourning here;
“Feed my lambs!” Oh, what love was evinced by those words,
What tender compassion, what fatherly care.
Three times at this meeting the question was asked,
“Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?”
And though grieved, yet how truly could Peter reply,