Who conquered all the realm of Crete,
Aped woman’s form and took delight
In girlish chores and things effete;
And David, quitting wisdom’s seat,
Forgot his fear of God for one
Whose perfumed thighs aroused his heat.
Happier those who all this shun!
And Amnon, drunk with carnal power,
Feigning to gorge himself the while,
Plucked lovely Tamar’s virgin flower,