Slander

More venomous than venom in action,

More severe than cyclones in damage

Slander has a sharper edge than a sword,

And penetrates through the impenetrable.

Victims of slander are often women,

Mostly mistresses of men in high ranks,

Maidens of all ranks and famous queens.

Slander sleeps with them in their graves for us.

28.02.2009

[Inspired by Shakespeare’s Cymbeline act III, iv]