To the Lady 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 did these hymns, to his dear name addrest.