Chapter 71 The Women of Byblos: A Lament

Cry with me, girls of Ashtat, all lovers of Tammuz! Let your hearts melt and rise and flow in blood and tears, For he, made of gold and ivory, is no more. The wild boar struck him down in the dark forest, and pierced his flesh with his sharp teeth. He sleeps now under the cover of old leaves, His footprints will no longer awaken the seeds sleeping in spring's bosom, His voice no longer comes to my window with the dawn, I will always be alone. Cry with me, girl of Ashtad, Tammu Hereby all lovers! For my love has left me, His speech is like the sound of rivers, His voice is the Li Sheng brother of the times, his mouth is red pain that has become sweet, and the bile between his lips is about to turn into molasses.Cry with me, girls of Ashtat, all lovers of Tammuz!

Weeping together in his coffin like stars shedding tears, Moon petals fell on his wounded body. Let your tears soak the silk covering of my bed, That's where my beloved sleeps in my dreams, When I woke up he was gone again. I implore you, girls of Ashtat, all lovers of Tammuz! Open your breasts and weep, comfort me, Because Jesus of Nazareth is dead.