[The Temple, Detail of Model]from The Temple (1633), by George Herbert:

 

¶   Love. (III)

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.

 

Rembrandt, Christ at Emmaus

Related Criticism:
  • "Herbert and the Real Presence" (the number and nature of the sacraments) by R. V. Young. [Poems cited: "Priesthood," "Divinitie," "The Agonie," and "Love (III)"]
  • Theology of George Herbert by briggsbe [Works mentioned (those quoted are in bold): Love (III), Flower, Virtue, Water-course, Pulley, Redemption, Death and Assurance] See Summers, George Herbert: His Art and Religion.
  • Theological Dualism in the Poetry of George Herbert by Carolyn Elizabeth Woodruff. [Works discussed: The Flower, Affliction (I), Affliction (V), Banquet and Love (III).]

    Ralph Vaughan Williams composed 5 Mystical Songs using George Herbert’s poems: 1. Easter ["Easter" section A] hear beginning portion, 2. I Got Me Flowers ["Easter" section B], 3. Love Bade Me Welcome ["Love (III)"], 4. The Call, and 5. Antiphon ["Antiphon (I)"].


  • Modern version

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