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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE WEEPING SAVIOUR, HYMN 3 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN JESUS' FRIEND HAD CEASED TO BE
Last Line: THY VERY TEARS HAD FLOWED IN VAIN.
Subject(s): SIN;

WHEN Jesus' friend had ceased to be,
Still Jesus' heart its friendship kept --
'Where have ye laid him?' -- 'Come and see!'
But ere his eyes could see, they wept.

Lord! not in sepulchres alone
Corruption's worm is rank and free:
The shroud of death our bosoms own --
The shades of sorrow! Come and see!

Come, Lord! God's image cannot shine
Where sin's funereal darkness lowers --
Come! Turn those weeping eyes of thine
Upon these sinning souls of ours!

And let those eyes with shepherd care
Their moving watch above us keep;
Till love the strength of sorrow wear,
And, as Thou weepedst, we may weep!

For surely we may weep to know,
So dark and deep our spirits' stain;
That, had thy blood refused to flow
Thy very tears had flowed in vain.



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