I slipt like an asp to his ear and laughed for the sight he

Would give when the carrion kites should tear to his bone.

[Pg 18]

I smote thro' his temple the nail, to the dust, a worm, did I bind him.

My heart was a-leap with rage and a-quiver with scorn.

And I danced with a holy delight before and behind him—

I that am called blessèd o'er all unto Judah born.

"Aye, come, I will show thee, O Barak, a woman is more than a warrior,"

I cried as I lifted the door wherein Sisera lay.

"To me did he fly and I shall be called his destroyer—

I, Jael, who am subtle to find for the Lord a way!"

"Above all the daughters of men be blest—of Gilead or Asshur,"

[Pg 19]

Sang Deborah, prophetess, then, from her waving palm.

"Behold her, ye people, behold her the heathen's abasher;

Behold her the Lord hath uplifted—behold and be calm!

"The mother of him at the window looks out thro' the lattice to listen—

Why roll not the wheels of his chariot? why does he stay?

Shall he not return with the booty of battle, and glisten

In songs of his triumph—ye women, why do ye not say?"

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