We present this work in honor of Women’s Equality Day.

 

So deep does envy’s arrow pierce your heart,
That woman you treat so vile.
Against woman, male does not war,
In all other creatures of the Earth.

O enemy of heaven, and of nature,
How dare you raise hand,
Against so young and beautiful a vision,
Where comes, this, your so perverse desire?

The divine and goodly maker, of your rib,
Of beautiful design, for you brought forth woman,
So, that of one faith, and one love,
In this realm, you would be united!

Well may you claim glory and pride,
Among lions cruel, and evil beasts,
Yet however by nature violent they be,
To the female, their male forbears.

Perhaps not first, nor second,
To your own ill, you will do what you would,
But hold. In peace with your woman live:
For behind the Lion, the Lioness doth lie.