Jezebel

PART II. I Know. When Ramoth-Gilead’s field Grew bloody with hot ranks of dead, I smote amain with sword and shield ; My brows with mingled blood were red ; And on my cheek the kiss of hell, The hatred of my Jezebel. I waited many days. At last The rushing of a chariot grew Frightful through all the city vast : Men were afraid. But I—I knew Jehu was here, whose sword should dip Deep in my love’s adulterous lip. The spirit filled me. And behold ! I saw her dead stare to the skies. I came to her ; she was not cold, But burning with old infamies. On her incestuous mouth I fell, And lost my soul for Jezebel. I followed him afoot, afire ; Beneath her window he drew rein ; She looked forth, clad in glad attire, Haggard and hateful, once again ; And taunted him. His bastard blood Quailed, but his violent soul withstood. He blenched, and then with eyes of flame, “ Who is on my side ? Who ? ” he said. Three eunuchs, passionless, grown tame, Grinned from behind her laughing head.