Esther, A Sonnet Sequence: Xxiv

Thus through these griefs I had been set apart, As for a double priesthood. Life to me, In those first moments when I probed my heart, Less an enchantress seemed than enemy. My knowledge of the world had nothing human. I saw Mankind a tribe, my natural foe, Whom I must one day battle with; and Woman, Ah! Woman was a snare I did not know. Indeed, it may be that already hope Knocked at my soul with tales it dared not own Of woman's kindness in my horoscope. Man, only Man I feared with eyes bent down, Man the oppressor, who with pale lips curled Sheds blood in the high places of the world.