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)
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:
ReplyDelete"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.
Thanks to you both for recalling some of my most favourite music.
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
ReplyDelete