Love... by George Herbert

George Herbert (1593-1633)

Love Bade Me Welcome

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 lacked anything.

"A guest," I answered, "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 marred 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.

I hope this encourages you as it does me. Thank you Christ for loving my marred eyes...