"Love (III)"

Earlier today, some friends and I went to hear Robert Pinsky give a lecture/reading in Frederick--a wonderful event, full of great insights on language and poetry. One of the poems he shared was George Herbert's "Love (III)." It was the second time I'd encountered that poem twice in the past 24 hours (the other place was on a podcast), so it feels like something worth sharing. One of my favorite early grad school papers was on Herbert and I've always been a fan. Maybe I should revisit The Temple soon.

"Love (III)"

Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
        Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey'd 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, the 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.