Page:An epic of women and other poems (IA epicofwomenother00osha).pdf/121

 Ah, spite of every urging that her hate Did put into her lips,—so fair and great Seemed that accuser standing weaponless, Yet wholly terrible with his bright speech As 'twere some sword of flaming holiness, That no man dared to join her and beseech His death; but dread came somehow upon each.

For he was surely terrible to see So plainly sinless, so divinely free To judge them; being in a perfect youth, Yet walking like an angel in a man Reproving all men with inspired truth. And Herod himself spoke not, but began To tremble: through his soul the warning ran.

—Then that Salome did put off the shame Of her mere virgin girlhood, and became A woman! Then she did at once essay Her beauty's magic, and unfold the wings Of her enchanted feet,—to have men say She slew him—born indeed for wondrous things. Her dance was fit to ruin saints or kings.