The Dragon and the Whore

The Dragon and the Whore

or

A Parable for America in the Twenty-First Century

The death-stroke fell; still reeling at the blow,
The Dragon roared in mortal agony
And spewed hot venom at the woman’s seed,
Contesting fiercely him who crushed him so.
Ah, vainly! for his people straight did flee
Into the arms that stripped their ancient Foe:
Yes, he was strong to save the falt’ring least,
And he was fairer than the Dragon dread,
And his sweet strength prevailed against the Beast.

Arose the Dragon’s whore; lips full and red
Dripped honied sweets into the perfumed air,
Hot overtures suffused with fragrant breath;
Her silken robes with playful hands she spread,
Enrapturing white breasts thus laying bare:
Could no one smell the burning hell beneath?
None but the wisest. Look! the nation races
To throw themselves upon her hot embraces;
“How blessed we are!” they laugh, – “The Beast is dead!”
Is all the world come thronging to her bed?

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