What silly puppet-bodies danced on strings,

Attached by credence, we appear in sooth,

Demanding intercession, direct aid,

When the whole tragic tale hangs on a broken blade!

She swung the sword for centuries; in a day

It slipped her, like a stream cut off from source.

She struck a feeble hand, and tried to pray,

Clamoured of treachery, and had recourse

To drunken outcries in her dream that Force

Needed but hear her shouting to obey.