Sunday, April 16, 2006

The Call

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life :
Such a Way, as gives us breath :
Such a Truth, as ends all strife :
And such a Life, as killeth death.

Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength :
Such a Light, as shows a feast :
Such a Feast, as mends in length :
Such a Strength, as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart :
Such a Joy, as none can move :
Such a Love, as none can part :
Such a Heart, as joyes in love.




George Herbert 1593-1633

(another one of Vaughan-Williams Five Mystical Songs)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

As a complete agnostic and non-Christian, I have to say the simplicity of Herbert's stunning verse allows his utter faith to shine through in a way that I find enviable, that is to say, if only I had some of it! THanks, and you might enjoy this one as much as I do:

"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, the 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."

"Love" by George Herbert.

Anonymous said...

Thanks to you both for recalling some of my most favourite music.

Anonymous said...

My recording of these songs is on cassette. I want to dig it out and hear what VW does with these words, no doubt something wonderful.