  She trod the grasses grey with dew, She hugged the unlikely head; Avenging where the warrior Jew Incontinent had fled. The bearded lips writhed ever more At this increase of shame— Killed by a girl, pretending whore, Gone scatheless as she came! His doom yet loathlier that he knew Hers was no nation-pride, No high religion snatched and slew Where he lay stupefied. Nebuchadnezzar’s duke enticed To pay a megrim’s fee? Assyrian valour sacrificed For a boudoir dignity? “Only for this, that some tall knave Had scorned her welcoming bed, For this, the assault, the stroke, the grave,” Groaned Holofernes’ head. |
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