Artemis Altera

O full of candour and compassion,         Whom love and worship both would praise,         Love cannot frame nor worship fashion         The image of your fearless ways!         How show your noble brow's dark pallor,         Your chivalrous casque of ebon hair,         Your eyes' bright strength, your lips' soft valour,         Your supple shoulders and hands that dare?         Our souls when navely you examine,         Your sword of innocence, flaming, huge,         Sweeps over us, and there is famine         Within the ports of subterfuge.         You hate contempt and love not laughter;         With your sharp spear of virgin will         You harry the wicked strong; but after,         O huntress who could never kill,         Should they be trodden down or pierced,         Swift, swift, you fly with burning cheek         To place your beauty's shield reversed         Above the vile defenceless weak!