Chapter I

_Blessed above all women
Shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be._
Jael, a queen in Heaven
Surely will speak out straight in defence of me.

Shall I despair Salvation?
Was Sisera then more ripe for the knife or nail
Than rat-soul'd Becker? Do I misread the tale?

I was no stealthy serpent.
(Jael flattered and killed her man as he slept.)
I was a lion, I challenged before I leapt.

Three times I gave clear warning
(Fair-play's good sport), then standing I struck him dead.
Ram-faced lecher, the blood on his own beast head!

_Blessed above all women
Shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be._
Ah, she won fame for her triumph,
My inward joy was payment enough for me.