The Two Sayings

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

    Two savings of the Holy Scriptures beat
    Like pulses in the Church's brow and breast;
    And by them we find rest in our unrest
    And, heart deep in salt-tears, do yet entreat
    God's fellowship as if on heavenly seat.
    The first is Jesus wept, whereon is prest
    Full many a sobbing face that drops its best
    And sweetest waters on the record sweet:
    And one is where the Christ, denied and scorned
    Looked upon Peter. Oh, to render plain
    By help of having loved a little and mourned,
    That look of sovran love and sovran pain
    Which He, who could not sin yet suffered, turned
    On him who could reject but not sustain!