Fiddler's Farewell/One Version

by Leonora Speyer

One Version

I think that Mary Magdalene
Was just a woman who went to dine,
And her jewels covered her empty heart
And her gown was the color of wine.

I think that Mary Magdalene
Sat by a stranger with shining head.
"Haven't we met somewhere?" she asked.
Magdalene!—Mary!—he said.

I think that Mary Magdalene
Fell at his feet and called his name,
Sat at his feet and wept her woe
And rose up clean of shame.

Nobody knew but Magdalene,
Mary the woman who went to dine,
Nobody saw how he broke the bread
And poured for her peace the wine.

This is the story of Magdalene;
It's not the tale the Apostles tell,
But I know the woman it happened to—
I know the woman well.