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Page 28
"And I said,
In anger, for she mocked me openly,
'I know not, Madam, what you will forgive.
You being married, what is it to you
What wife my husband chose?'
"She laughed 'Well played!
How well you drew your head up, little queen,
And threw that "husband" at me! Aye, you think
He's yours - indeed 'tis not a many weeks
Since you gained him, as you thought, all to yourself.
You foolish child, did you not comprehend
That marriage frees a man from faith to you?
There's nothing gained by faith; for you are his
However. Lover, he had been all yours:
Husband, why he is yours or any one's.
I have forgiven him - I told you so -
And that means he is mine as much as yours.
"My husband" how you flung it at me, Sweet!'
"I turned from her 'Go, I'll not answer you.
'Tis shame enough that I have changed a word
With such a woman.'
"Still she answered sweet
And soothingly 'Nay, pretty petulance,
Why are you bitter at me? Blame yourself.
If a woman weds the man she loves, whose fault
But hers is his lost lover constancy?
He takes to husband ways ... 'tis natural:
You should have thought of it in time, that's all.
Why, look at me who love him, as such babes
Fed on sweet pap and comfits cannot love....
No more, dear fools, than you can hate or sin,
Me, whom your husband loves - I am content
To lend him to you or to Melanie,
The blonde French dancer, to, as scandal tells,
La Stella, the inspired ... who in her songs
Puts Italy and means your husband, child.
Be patient and be happy as I am.'
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