An evil oath made in my name
If broken, would not bring you shame.
For mercy is my great desire
Not children sacrificed in fire.

Who did you expect to run
To greet you after you had won?
Your wife, sick of your foolish vows?
Your lazy dog, or countless cows?

Of course, your loving daughter would
Run to the father she thought good,
Surprised by such a downcast face
When reaching out for an embrace.

Two months to mourn the life she lost
(No wedding—only holocaust).
Your brothers had rejected you,
Now you reject your daughter, too?

Be glad that once you meet your death
My kingdom needs no ‘shibboleth,’
No secret word or special code
To enter into my abode.

But know this now, my mighty judge,
In heaven there can be no grudge
Towards Ephraimites or Ammonites—
For all are welcome in the light.

And your daughter at the gate
Will every day look out and wait
For the father she admires
Though he killed her on the pyre.