Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/335

 GEORGE HERBERT

294 Love

T O VE bade me welcome ; yet my soul drew back,

JL^ 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 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.

JAMES SHIRLEY

295 Piping Peace

r OU virgins that did late despair To keep your wealth from cruel men, Tie up in silk your careless hair. Soft peace is come again.

Now lovers' eyes may gently shoot

A flame that will not kill; The drum was angry, but the lute

Shall whisper what you will.

�� �