A friendly apology, in the behalf of the womans excellency together with some examples of women-worthies : as also the character of a virtuous and accomplished woman : wherein ladies of pleasure are taxed and admonished / written in verse by J. Golborne ...

Of Judith.

WHat to distress'd, despairing, Israel was Too much to think; Judith doth bring to pass. Proud Holofernes thought his words so stout, Enough among the Jews to make a rout. Wishing them heart to make resistance great To heighten his courage, and their defeat To aggravate, she silenceth those boasts, And at two blows, stoutly beheads an host. No petty Forts assails, but chief of all, Their main strength, and soon takes the Capitoll. When to Bethulia she returns, and calls, There straight arise some statues on the walls. So great amazing joy in every one Made them seem part of th' wall turn'd into stone. So once Medusa's beauty left no vigour Of men to the beholders, but a Figure. She fear'd not living Monster, some do doubt From the fierce head lest body should grow out As heads of Hydra from the body; seeing Dead Tyrant them she scarce can keep from flying. Bago's with shame doth find his Master dead, And proves a trusty keeper of his head. Assyrian camp in great confusion stands. They that want head, have little use of hands. Women in triumph walk that day like host, And they have greatest right to rule the roast. Judith led Van, and she the Olive bore The other branches as the Dove before.