4 Must-Read Katherine Philips Poems

Katherine Philips, known as The Matchless Orinda, was a writer active in the mid-1600s. She was a royalist, translator and is well-regarded for her poetry. Later poets, like John Keats, cited Philips as an influential source of work. Poems by the Most Deservedly Admired Mrs. Katherine Philips, the Matchless Orinda was published after her death.

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A Married State

‘A Married State’ by Philips critiques 17th-century marriage, advocating for women’s freedom over societal norms.

Katherine Philips is often remembered for writing about the emotional lives of women, especially around friendship and love. Her poem ‘A Married State’ stands out because it questions the idea that marriage brings happiness, which was a very unusual message at the time. While she wrote many poems, this one is especially remembered today for how direct and strong its voice is. It’s one of her most discussed works in modern literature classes.

A married state affords but little ease:

The best of husbands are so hard to please

This in wifes Carefull faces you may spell,

Tho they desemble their misfortunes well

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Dialogue of Friendship Multiply’d

‘Dialogue of Friendship Multiply’d’ by Katherine Philips contains the dialogue between two women, one of whom wishes to begin a friendship with the other.

Will you unto one single sense

Confine a starry Influence?

Or when you do the raies combine,

To themselves only make them shine?

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Orinda to Lucasia

‘Orinda to Lucasia’ by Katherine Philips describes the importance and intensity of the relationship she holds with her close friend, Anne Owens.

OBSERVE the weary birds ere night be done,

How they would fain call up the tardy sun,

With feathers hung with dew,

And trembling voices too.

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To My Excellent Lucasia, on Our Friendship

‘To My Excellent Lucasia, on Our Friendship’ by Katherine Philips describes the relationship that existed between the poet and her friend Anne Owens.

I did not live until this time

Crowned my felicity,

When I could say without a crime,

I am not thine, but thee.

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4 Must-Read Katherine Philips Poems

A Married State

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