Love (III): A Poem by George Herbert

This poem by Herbert highlights the surprising mercy of God in the gospel. It reflects Luke 12:37: “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.” We are blessed in the gospel not because we are worthy, but because Christ, who we are joined to by faith, is worthy. Perhaps it is the wonder at the mercy of God in the gospel that is most striking about this poem. Enjoy!

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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, 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.