Trial of the Lilithite - 3/7

All ships stopped there, and formed a square
Around their ranting priest,
Leant on their decks, they craned their necks;
On murder they would feast.

They held her down, her ankles bound,
While Tucker's face was stern.
"A cross we'll make -- a wooden stake
Upon which she shall burn."

My mouth agape, hair on my nape
as firm and course as wire,
I stared in shock, clutched Tucker's frock
And pleaded, "End this, Sire!"

"Master Ben, my closest friend,
Thy faith must be restored --
By God's hand, we'll not touch land
With the devil's quim aboard."

The hungry crowd grew fierce and loud,
Demanding blood be shed;
As Tucker's call held them in thrall,
I merely hung my head.

"My children, please -- a black disease
Has made it to our crew:
This devil whore must tempt no more --
God knows what we must do.

Be not afraid, for God hath bade
In Galatians 5:16 -
The way of flesh, what grind and thresh,
Be sinful and unclean!

Make tight the lashes! -- My, how she thrashes,
And in tongues, calls us names,
By His word writ, I do commit
Her body to the flames!

It took no time, the grisly crime;
Her death was cruel and hard,
'Til from the chains hung her remains
Blackened, burned and charred.

Once all was done, by setting sun,
They made the sea her grave;
I didn't speak -- felt sick and weak,
Whose soul did Tucker save?

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