Love (III): Exploring George Herbert’s Poem "Love Bade Me Welcome"
This poem is about a person’s meeting with Love, where they talk about feeling unworthy. Through their conversation, the poem explores ideas of kindness, forgiveness, and acceptance.
Love (III), by George Herbert
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.
Love by George Herbert: Annotation
In “Love (III),” George Herbert uses “Love” as a symbol for God. The poem reflects his view of divine love as patient, compassionate, and all-forgiving.
Herbert’s dialogue between the speaker and Love (God) reveals how, despite feelings of guilt and unworthiness, God offers grace and acceptance. This portrayal of God as “Love” aligns with the Christian idea that God’s love is unconditional and always welcoming.
Herbert leaves us with a message about grace, showing that true love meets us where we are.
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