Penthesileia Penthesileia, dead of profuse wonds, Was despoiled of her arms by Prince Achilles Who, for love of that fierce white naked corpse, Necrophily on her committed In the public view. Some gasped, some groaned, some bawled their indignation, Achilles nothing cared, distraught by grief, But suddenly caught Thersites' obscene snigger And with one vengeful buffet to the jaw Dashed out his life. This was a fury few might understand, Yet Penthesileia, hailed by Prince Achilles On the Elysian plain, paused to thank him For avenging her insulted womanhood With sacrifice. Robert Graves