“Have ye read the wondrous story A Transcendent page of glory! As it happened in Armenia In the province of Sebastia ‘Tis a tale of women brave Choosing Death, themselves to save From the Turkish soldier’s lust From his satyr passion gust Three thousand drank the poisoned cup Others, no poison left to sup, From crests of hills they leaping fell Into abyss of gorge and dell. Their fathers, brothers, husbands, sons ‘Gainst Turk’s artillery and guns Seven and twenty days methought Had battle waged and stubborn fought The foe, of arms well provided Whilst their meager stock exhausted Yet fighting still they heroic died. Shall we live, slaves to Turk’s embrace? Nay! Sweet for us in death’s dark grace So the women said, and fearless died.”