The Gospel according to St. Peter

To-morrow or in twenty centuries
The sudden falling open of a lid
On some grey tomb beside the Pyramid
May bring the First Evangel to our eyes.

That day, who knows with what aghast surprise
Our priests shall touch the very deeds He did,
And learn the truth so many ages hid,
And find, perchance, the Christ did never rise.

What then? shall all our faith be accounted vain?
Nothing be left of all our nights of prayer?
Nothing of all the scruples, all the tears
Of endless generations' endless years?
Take heart! Be sure the fruits of these remain.
Hark to the Inner Witness: Christ is there!