Ballade At Thirty-Five

[00:03.87] This, no song of ingénue
[00:07.32] This, no ballad of innocence
[00:11.09] This, the rhyme of a lady who
[00:14.93] Followed ever the natural bents
[00:18.13] This, a solo of sapience
[00:22.27] This, a chantey of sophistry
[00:25.89] This, the sum of experiments, --
[00:29.30] I loved them until they loved me
[00:34.34]
[00:46.81] Decked in garments of sable hue
[00:50.82] Daubed with ashes of myriad Lents
[00:54.32] Wearing shower bouquets of rue
[00:57.90] Walk I ever in penitence
[01:01.69] Oft I roam, as my heart repents
[01:05.07] Through God's acre of memory
[01:08.76] Marking stones, in my reverence
[01:12.34] "I loved them until they loved me."
[01:17.41]
[01:29.31] Pictures pass me in long review, --
[01:32.87] Marching columns of dead events
[01:36.51] I was tender, and, often, true
[01:39.92] Ever a prey to coincidence
[01:44.54] Always knew I the consequence
[01:48.14] Always saw what the end would be
[01:51.71] We're as Nature has made us -- hence
[01:55.35] I loved them until they loved me
[02:00.45]
[02:12.88] Princes, never I'd give offense
[02:16.83] Won't you think of me tenderly?
[02:20.36] Here's my strength and my weakness, gents -
[02:27.15] This, no song of ingénue
[02:31.20] This, no ballad of innocence
[02:34.72] This, the rhyme of a lady who
[02:37.27]