Classic Poem

To Mrs Magdalen Herbert: of St. Mary Magdalen

Her of your name, whose fair inheritance
Bethina was, and jointure Magdalo:
An active faith so highly did advance,
That she once knew, more than the Church did know,
The Resurrection; so much good there is
Delivered of her, that some Fathers be
Loth to believe one woman could do this;
But, think these Magdalens were two or three.
Increase their number, Lady, and their fame:
To their devotion, add your innocence;
Take so much of th' example, as of the name;
The latter half; and in some recompense
That they did harbour Christ himself, a guest,
Harbour these hymns, to his dear name addressed. J.D.English