Love

By George Herbert

1593-1632


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 answer'd, '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.

DayPoems Poem No. 286
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/286.html">Love by George Herbert</a>

The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor

Poets  Poems