The Adulterous Wives of Solomon

The adulterous wives of Solomon
Lie with young archers behind
The filigree doors
The music from his throne room
Music of Negroes
And trained boys, comes over the night
Past silver doors, into chambers
Where lovers never meant to betray their king

How they sing, his musicians
And our friends are lying unclothed
Marvelling at the beauty of his court
And though they betray him
These soldiers, these queens
Why, they are the King's Men
They love and honour him

O Solomon, call away your spies
You remember the angels in that garden
After the man and woman had been expelled
Lying under the holy trees while
Their swords burnt out
And Eve was in some distant branches
Calling for her lover
And doubled up with pain