Penthesileia
Penthesileia, dead of profuse wonds,
Was despoiled of her arms by Prince Achilles
Who, for love of that fierce white naked corpse,
Necrophily on her committed
In the public view.
Some gasped, some groaned, some bawled their indignation,
Achilles nothing cared, distraught by grief,
But suddenly caught Thersites’ obscene snigger
And with one vengeful buffet to the jaw
Dashed out his life.
This was a fury few might understand,
Yet Penthesileia, hailed by Prince Achilles
On the Elysian plain, paused to thank him
For avenging her insulted womanhood
With sacrifice.
