The Coquette and After (Triolets)

 I 

For long the cruel wish I knew 
That your free heart should ache for me 
While mine should bear no ache for you; 
For, long--the cruel wish!--I knew 
How men can feel, and craved to view 
My triumph--fated not to be 
For long! . . . The cruel wish I knew 
That your free heart should ache for me! 

II 

At last one pays the penalty - 
The woman--women always do. 
My farce, I found, was tragedy 
At last!--One pays the penalty 
With interest when one, fancy-free, 
Learns love, learns shame . . . Of sinners two 
At last ONE pays the penalty - 
The woman--women always do!

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