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20 He dared become, to expedite

Woman-avenging warfare,—anchors weighed

With such prelusive rite!

Prayings and callings "Father"—naught they made

Of these, and of the virgin-age,—

Captains heart-set on war to wage!

His ministrants, vows done, the father bade—

Kid-like, above the altar, swathed in pall,

Take her—lift high, and have no fear at all,

Head-downward, and the fair mouth's guard

And frontage hold,—press hard

From utterance a curse against the House

By dint of bit—violence bridling speech.