Prayer
Love Bade Me Welcome
by George Herbert (17th century Anglican priest and poet) 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. |