Love (III)
George Herbert
1593 to 1633
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 any thing.
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.
George Herbert's Love (III)
"Love (III)" is one of George Herbert's most celebrated poems, part of his collection "The Temple," published in 1633. The poem is a profound exploration of divine love, personified as "Love," who invites the speaker to a spiritual feast. Through dialogue, the poem portrays the speaker's struggle with feelings of unworthiness and sin, only to be reassured by Love's grace and acceptance.
The structure of the poem is intimate and conversational, composed in three six-line stanzas with a regular ABABCC rhyme scheme. This regularity mirrors the calm, measured tone of Love's voice, which reassures the speaker. The simplicity of the language contrasts with the depth of theological meaning, making it accessible yet profoundly moving. Herbert's use of enjambment and caesura enhances the natural flow of the conversation, making the divine interaction feel immediate and personal.
Herbert's skillful use of personification imbues Love with a gentle and patient character, emphasizing the unconditional nature of divine love. The dialogue between the speaker and Love is laden with theological significance, reflecting the Christian concepts of grace, redemption, and the Eucharist. The poem's resolution, where the speaker finally accepts Love's invitation, symbolizes the soul's acceptance of God's grace despite its own sense of unworthiness.
George Herbert (1593-1633) was an English poet, orator, and Anglican priest. He is best known for his religious poetry, particularly the collection "The Temple," which explores themes of faith, devotion, and divine love. Born into a wealthy and influential family, Herbert was initially poised for a career in politics but chose to serve the Church of England instead. His poetry is characterized by its deep religious devotion, intricate wordplay, and use of metaphysical conceits. Although he died young, Herbert's work has had a lasting impact on English devotional poetry and continues to be celebrated for its spiritual insight and poetic craftsmanship.