Love bade me welcome

General information

'Love bade me welcome' is a poem by George Herbert, published in his 1633 collection The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations.

Settings by composers (automated)

• Philip Le Bas — Love bade me welcome  English SATB
• Colin Davey — Love bade me welcome  English SATB
• Andrew Malton — Love (III)  English SATB
• Kathryn Rose — Love (III)  English SAB
• Ralph Vaughan Williams — Love bade me welcome  English Solo Baritone, SATB

 

Text and translations

English text Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back, Guilty 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 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 marr'd 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.

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