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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO THE LADY MAGDALEN HERBERT: OF ST. MARY MAGDALEN by JOHN DONNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: HER OF YOUR NAME, WHOSE FAIR INHERITANCE
Last Line: HARBOUR THESE HYMNS, TO HIS DEAR NAME ADDREST.

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
Deliver'd 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 recompence
That they did harbour Christ himself, a Guest,
Harbour these Hymns, to his dear name addrest.



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