To the Lady Magdalen Herbert by John Donne (Poem, Summary, Paraphrase & Analysis)

 

To the Lady Magdalen Herbert

by John Donne

(Poem, Summary, Paraphrase & Analysis) 

To the Lady Magdalen Herbert

Madam,

Reason is our soul's left hand, faith her right,

By these we reach divinity, that's you;

Their loves, who have the blessings of your light,

Grew from their reason, mine from fair faith grew.

But as, although a squint left-handedness

Be ungracious, yet we cannot want that hand;

So would I—not to increase, but to express

My faith—as I believe, so understand.

Therefore I study you first in your saints,

Those friends whom your election glorifies,

Then in your deeds, accesses and restraints,

And what you re-emit, not what you prize.

My love, not as a fire, quick, sudden, bright,

But as a fire which shall burn evermore,

Slowly; as oil-fed lamps, so give me light

And I shall guard it well, inveterate store.

Then I shall believe your truth, and your kind parts

Inheritable by such as have your heart.

 

Summary

John Donne opens his verse letter by addressing Lady Magdalen Herbert with deep reverence. He begins by drawing a comparison between reason and faith, describing them as the left and right hands of the soul. He says that both are essential for reaching divine truth. Those who admire Lady Herbert through reason are like those who use the left hand, while his own admiration is based on faith, which he associates with the right hand — the stronger, more intuitive guide.

He then remarks that although being “left-handed” (or relying only on reason) may not be considered ideal, it is still useful. In this way, he acknowledges the validity of reason, but emphasizes that his own approach is more heartfelt and spiritual, rooted in faith rather than intellect.

Donne goes on to say that in trying to understand Lady Herbert, he first looks to the people she keeps close — her “saints” — because their virtues reflect her character. After that, he considers her actions: what she chooses to do, what she avoids, and what she shares with the world. This careful observation helps him form a deeper image of her.

He then compares his love and admiration for her to a steady, lasting flame — not a sudden blaze, but a slow, oil-fed fire that continues to burn consistently over time. This image emphasizes that his regard for her is not fleeting or based on mere passion, but enduring and sincere.

Finally, he expresses his belief in her goodness and truth. He sees her virtues as something that can be passed on to others who love and follow her example. In closing, he suggests that her heart is the source of her noble qualities, and those who are close to her may inherit them.

 

Line-by-line Paraphrase

Madam,

Reason is our soul's left hand, faith her right,

By these we reach divinity, that's you;

Madam, reason is like the left hand of our soul, and faith is the right.

With both of these — reason and faith — we come closer to divine things,

 

and you, to me, represent such divine beauty or virtue.

Their loves, who have the blessings of your light,

Grew from their reason, mine from fair faith grew.

Other people who are fortunate to know and admire you do so because of rational appreciation,

but my love for you is based on pure faith and trust.

 

But as, although a squint left-handedness

Be ungracious, yet we cannot want that hand;

Even though being left-handed or relying too much on reason may seem awkward or less graceful,

we still need that hand — it has value and purpose.

 

So would I—not to increase, but to express

My faith—as I believe, so understand.

In the same way, I do not use reason to strengthen my faith, but simply to express it.

I try to understand you in the same way that I already believe in your goodness.

 

Therefore I study you first in your saints,

Those friends whom your election glorifies,

So, to understand you better, I first observe the good people around you —

the friends you have chosen, whose own virtues bring honor to your judgment.

 

Then in your deeds, accesses and restraints,

And what you re-emit, not what you prize.

Then I examine your actions: what you allow or avoid,

and more importantly, what you share with others, rather than just what you personally treasure.

 

My love, not as a fire, quick, sudden, bright,

But as a fire which shall burn evermore,

My love for you is not like a quick, bright, fleeting flame,

but like a slow-burning fire that will continue to burn forever.

 

Slowly; as oil-fed lamps, so give me light

And I shall guard it well, inveterate store.

Just like lamps that burn steadily on oil, give me your light (your influence or example),

and I will preserve it carefully as something deep-rooted and long-lasting.

 

Then I shall believe your truth, and your kind parts

Inheritable by such as have your heart.

Then I will fully trust in your goodness and kindness,

believing that these noble traits can be passed on to those who truly love you.

 

Analysis in Detail

This verse letter by John Donne is both a tribute and a philosophical meditation. It blends personal admiration with metaphysical reflection, characteristic of Donne’s poetic style. Lady Magdalen Herbert — a noblewoman and the mother of poet George Herbert — is addressed with reverent affection, and Donne explores the foundations of love and devotion through reason and faith.

 

Tone and Voice

The tone is devotional, respectful, and contemplative. Donne speaks with a mix of philosophical clarity and emotional warmth. His admiration for Lady Magdalen is not romantic in a physical sense but spiritual and intellectual — an admiration of her virtue, character, and influence.

Donne’s voice is deeply personal. He uses first-person narration ("I study you", "my love", "I shall believe") to express sincere admiration while placing Lady Herbert on a near-divine pedestal.

 

Themes

Reason vs. Faith

Donne begins the poem by establishing a dichotomy: reason (the left hand) and faith (the right hand) of the soul. He argues that both are necessary to perceive the divine. In a subtle compliment, he aligns Lady Magdalen with divinity itself, stating that it is through reason and faith that people approach her — not just God.

 

Spiritual Admiration

Rather than loving her through physical beauty or emotional impulse, Donne claims to admire Lady Magdalen through faith, which he sees as purer and more enduring than reason. This spiritual admiration removes the poem from the realm of courtly love and places it in one of intellectual and moral reverence.

 

Virtue as Reflective

Donne suggests that one can know Lady Magdalen by observing her "saints" — the good people around her — and by watching her actions. He values not what she treasures, but what she shares, implying that virtue shines brightest through generosity and influence.

 

Lasting Devotion

The poem contrasts sudden passion with steady love. Donne compares his devotion to an oil-fed lamp — slow, consistent, and durable — as opposed to a bright flame that burns out quickly. This metaphor supports his argument that true admiration must be cultivated with care and consistency.

 

Transference of Virtue

In the closing lines, Donne expresses a hopeful belief that the Lady’s good qualities can be passed on to those who are close to her in heart. It’s a kind of spiritual inheritance, emphasizing her role as a moral exemplar.

 

Structure and Style

The poem is written in iambic pentameter, but the lineation follows the loose form of a verse epistle — a letter in poetic form. It does not strictly follow a set rhyme scheme but remains metrical and fluid, supporting the conversational and reflective tone.

Donne’s style is metaphysical: rich in intellectual reasoning, complex comparisons, and religious imagery. He uses conceits (extended metaphors), such as comparing love to fire, and the soul to two hands.

 

Poetic Devices

Metaphor:

Reason and faith as left and right hands of the soul.

Love as fire — either quick and bright or slow and enduring.

Lady Magdalen as a divine presence, approached through spiritual faculties.

 

Conceit:

The spiritual anatomy of the soul (reason/faith) becomes the lens for understanding both religious devotion and personal admiration.

 

Alliteration and Assonance:

Subtle use enhances rhythm and musicality — e.g., “faith as I believe, so understand.”

 

Symbolism:

The oil-fed lamp symbolizes enduring devotion, spiritual light, and steadiness over time.

 

Context and Background

Lady Magdalen Herbert was a devout and learned woman, admired by Donne and others of her time. This poem likely reflects Donne’s genuine esteem for her virtue and character, shaped by their shared religious and intellectual pursuits.

 

The verse letter falls into a tradition of epistolary poems addressed to patrons or respected individuals — part of Donne’s broader social and literary circle.

 

Conclusion

“To the Lady Magdalen Herbert” is a thoughtful and elegant expression of spiritual admiration. Through metaphysical wit and sincere emotion, Donne honors Lady Magdalen not with flattery or romantic love, but with philosophical reflection and enduring devotion. It is both a tribute to her personal virtues and a meditation on how best to know and love what is truly good — not through fleeting passion, but through faith and understanding.