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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TWO SAYINGS by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Poet Analysis

First Line: TWO SAYINGS OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES BEAT
Last Line: ON HIM WHO COULD REJECT BUT NOT SUSTAIN!
Subject(s): GOD; RELIGION; THEOLOGY;

Two sayings 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!



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