Magdala

Nicholas Michell

No more Bethsaida gleams across the flood;
An ancient watch-tower tells where Magdal stood.*
Clothed with green moss — Time's sad but fragrant pall—
Many a dark bath extends its mouldering wall;
They sink to dust, yet Health still spreads his wings
O'er the warm fountain's life-reviving springs.

Author's Note: * The old city of Bethsaida, like Chorazin, and Gennesaret or Chinesareth, has left no trace. A ruinous square tower stands on the site of Magdal or Magdala, where Christ landed after the miracle of the loaves and fishes.