Logos Virtual Library: George Herbert: The Temple: The Church: Love (3)

George Herbert

George Herbert (1593-1633)

The Temple

Love (3)

Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,

Guiltie of dust and sinne.
But quick-ey’d Love, observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,

If I lack’d any thing.

A guest, I answer’d, worthy to be here:

Love said, you shall be he.
I the unkinde, ungratefull? Ah my deare,

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, sayes Love, who bore the blame?

My deare, then I will serve.
You must sit down, sayes Love, and taste my meat:

So I did sit and eat.

FINIS.

Glorie be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men.