Monday 17 June 2013

George Herbert on Love




Love

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
 Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
 From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning 
 If I lack'd anything.

'A guest,' I answered, 'worthy to be here':

 Love said, 'You shall be he.'
'I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, 
 I cannot look on Thee.'
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
 'Who made the eyes but I?'

'Truth, Lord: but I have marr'd them: let my shame

 Go where it doth deserve.'
'And know you not,' says Love, "Who bore the blame?'
 'My dear, then I will serve.'
'You must sit down,' says Love, 'and taste my meat.'
 So I did sit and eat. 


George Herbert
 (1593-1633)

2 comments:

  1. This has always been one of my favourites Gwilym. The metaphysical poets are as real today as they were then.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Odd picture. It's first time I've seen 2 Christs together.

    ReplyDelete

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