This amity, begun at this time and place, was not an amity that polluted their souls; but an amity made up of a chain of suitable inclinations and virtues; an amity like that of St. Chrysostom’s to his dear and virtuous Olympias; whom, in his letters, he calls his Saint:  or an amity, indeed, more like that of St. Hierome to his Paula; whose affection to her was such, that he turned poet in his old age, and then made her epitaph:  wishing all his body were turned into tongues, that he might declare her just praises to posterity.  And this amity betwixt her and Mr. Donne was begun in a happy time for him, he being then near to the fortieth year of his age,—­which was some years before he entered into Sacred Orders;—­a time when his necessities needed a daily supply for the support of his wife, seven children, and a family.  And in this time she proved one of his most bountiful benefactors; and he as grateful an acknowledger of it.  You may take one testimony for what I have said of these two worthy persons, from this following Letter and Sonnet.

[Sidenote:  Letter and Sonnet]

“MADAM,

“Your favours to me are every where:  I use them and have them.  I enjoy them at London, and leave them there; and yet find them at Mitcham.  Such riddles as these become things inexpressible; and such is your goodness.  I was almost sorry to find your servant here this day; because I was loath to have any witness of my not coming home last night, and indeed of my coming this morning.  But my not coming was excusable, because earnest business detained me; and my coming this day is by the example of your St. Mary Magdalen, who rose early upon Sunday to seek that which she loved most; and so did I. And, from her and myself, I return such thanks as are due to one, to whom we owe all the good opinion, that they, whom we need most, have of us.  By this messenger, and on this good day, I commit the inclosed Holy Hymns and Sonnets—­which for the matter, not the workmanship, have yet escaped the fire—­to your judgment, and to your protection too, if you think them worthy of it; and I have appointed this inclosed Sonnet to usher them to your happy hand.

             “Your unworthiest servant,
  Unless your accepting him to be so have mended him,
                    Jo.  DONNE.

“Mitcham, July 11, 1607.”

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 these Hymns, to his dear name addrest. 
J.D.