George Herbert(1593–1633)
Love (Ill)
L o v e b a d e m e w e l c o m e : yet m y s o u l d r e w back,
G u i l t y of d u s t a n d sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack s
F r o m m y first e n t r a n c e in,
D r e w n e a r e r to m e , s w e e t l y q u e s t i o n i n g
If I l a c k e d a n y thing.
"A guest, I a n s w e r e d , "worthy to be here:
L o v e said, "You shall be he.
"I, t h e u n k i n d , u n g r a t e f u l ? A h , my dear,
I c a n n o t l o o k on t h e e . "
L o v e t o o k m y h a n d , a n d s m i l i n g did reply,
" W h o m a d e t h e e y e s b u t 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, t h e n I will serve.
"You m u s t sit d o w n , " says Love, "and taste my meat.5
S o I did sit a n d eat.