Page:An epic of women and other poems (IA epicofwomenother00osha).pdf/120

 But he had seen in mighty Lebanon The cedars no man's axe hath lit upon; And he had often worshipped, falling down In dazzling temples opened straight to him, Where One who had great lightnings for His crown Was suddenly made present, vast and dim Through crowded pinions of the Cherubim!

Wherefore he had no fear to stand and shout To all men in the place, and there to flout Those fair and fearful women who were seen Quite triumphing in that work of their smile To shame a goodly king. And he cast, e'en A sudden awe that undid for a while The made-up shameless visages of guile.

And when Herodias—that many times Polluted one, assured now in all crimes Past fear or turning—when she, her fierce tongue Thrice forked with indignation, hotly spoke Quick wild beseeching words, wherewith she clung To Herod, praying him by some death-stroke To do her vengeance there before all folk—