To St. Mary Magdalen

SUCH as, retired from sight of men, like thee
By penance seek the joys of heaven to win,
In deserts make their paradise begin
And even among wild beasts do angels see,
In such a place my soul doth seem to be,
When in my body she laments her sin
And none but brutal passions finds therein,
Except they be sent down from heaven to me.
Yet if those graces God to me impart
Which he inspired thy blessed breast withal,
I may find haven in my retired heart;
And if thou change the object of my love,
The winged affection which men Cupid call
May get his sight, and like an angel prove.