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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


OBSERVATION (3) by ROBERT HERRICK

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE VIRGIN-MOTHER STOOD AT DISTANCE (THERE)
Last Line: AND THEN TO WEEP THEY BOTH WERE LICENSED.
Subject(s): BIBLE; MARY. MOTHER OF JESUS; RELIGION; WOMEN IN THE BIBLE; VIRGIN MARY; THEOLOGY;

The Virgin-Mother stood at distance (there)
From her Sonnes Crosse, not shedding once a teare:
Because the Law forbad to sit and crie
For those, who did as malefactors die.
So she, to keep her mighty woes in awe,
Tortur'd her love, not to transgresse the Law.
Observe we may, how Mary Joses then,
And th' other Mary (Mary Magdalen)
Sate by the Grave; and sadly sitting there,
Shed for their Master many a bitter teare:
But 't was not till their dearest Lord was dead;
And then to weep they both were licensed.



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