“Love” is being expressed and celebrated all over the place today. Here is a beautiful “picture” of Love written by George Herbert (1593-1632). Even with the “olde-English,” I think you’ll get it. I came across it when reading a book by Simone Weil (1909-1943), a young & brilliant French woman from a secular Jewish family in Paris. A philosopher, writer, engaged militant on behalf of the vulnerable, but above all else, a laser-focused truth-seeker. She came across this piece by Herbert, and upon reading it and meditating upon it, she turned her heart over to this one called “Love,” Jesus Christ. Hope you enjoy it.

L O V E
George HERBERT (1593 – 1632)

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guiltie of dust and sin.
But quick-ey’d Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me,
sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.
A guest, I answer’d,
worthy to be here.
Love said, You shall be he.
I, the unkinde, ungrateful?
Ah, my deare,
I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand and smiling did reply:
Who made the eyes but I?
Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, says Love; who bore the blame?
My deare, then I will serve.
You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat.
So I did sit and eat.