The poem
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 tast me meat: So I did sit and eat.
This has been my favorite poem since I ran across it when reading "Simone Weil Reader" by Panichas. It was Simone Weil's favorie. I interpret it to mean that God (Love) understands our propensity to sin because He made us that way. Thus, we will still be welcomed by God with all of our warts and sins. We are a welcome guest by Love.
here George Herbert is ashamed of his sins. he is looking forward to be forgiven by a supreme being called Gesus Christ. he refers to christ by bringing about a metophor LOVE. and asks for his forgiveness. concequently, Jesus welcomes him with arms wide open and suggests him to sit and eat his meat "it may indicate Eucharist"