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.