Where did the saying "cry bitter tears" come from?

[mieux2002]

I've searched and searched but I cant find out where the saying to cry bitter tears originated. Can anyone help?

[Quizmonster]

Perhaps you are referring to the lines from W J Cory's poem, 'Heraclitus'...

"They told me, Heraclitus, they told me you were dead, 
They brought me bitter news to hear, and bitter tears to shed."

[Quizmonster]

Or maybe you recalled Lewis Carroll's 'The Walrus and the Carpenter'...

"If seven maids with seven mops
Swept it for half a year
Do you suppose," the Walrus said,
"That they could get it clear?"
"I doubt it," said the Carpenter.
And shed a bitter tear."