Poems (Jackson)/Vashti
For works with similar titles, see Vashti.
VASHTI.
N all great Shushan's palaces was thereNot one, O Vashti, knowing thee so well,Poor uncrowned queen, that he the world. could tellHow thou wert pure and loyal-souled as fair?How it was love which made thee bold to dareRefuse the shame which madmen would compel?Not one, who saw the bitter tears that fellAnd heard thy cry heart-rending on the air: "Ah me! My Lord could not this thing have meant!He well might loathe me ever, if I goBefore these drunken princes as a show.I am his queen; I come of king's descent.I will not let him bring our crown so low;He will but bless me when he doth repent!"