XXII

Through what dark centuries have all your kind

Upon the cross of Sex been crucified!

Betrayed with kisses, smitten, then denied;

Mocked in the place of judgment, and made blind

To please the ruling of some priestly mind.

Along the cobbled highroad straight and wide,

They have gone bleeding, stumbling forth, and died

That Man through them might his redemption find.

This your rebuke has taught me. Take my sword,

And on your form divine my purple bear;

While, kneeling at your feet, I pledge my word

For King Love's sake in Woman's cause to fare

Against Tradition's standard — church or state —

And be my Sister's knight and laureate.