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.
.....Love by George Herbert (1593-1632)
