The Two Sayings

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.

One is, And 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!