Ballade At Thirty-Five

[00:04.10] This, no song of ingénue
[00:06.18] This, no ballad of innocence
[00:10.16] This, the rhyme of a lady who
[00:14.18] Followed ever the natural bents
[00:17.85] This, a solo of sapience
[00:21.38] This, a chantey of sophistry
[00:24.72] This, the sum of experiments, --
[00:28.35] I loved them until they loved me
[00:47.26] Decked in garments of sable hue
[00:49.91] Daubed with ashes of myriad Lents
[00:53.55] Wearing shower bouquets of rue
[00:57.25] Walk I ever in penitence
[01:01.03] Oft I roam, as my heart repents
[01:04.39] Through God's acre of memory
[01:07.44] Marking stones, in my reverence
[01:11.49] "I loved them until they loved me."
[01:29.52] Pictures pass me in long review, --
[01:32.74] Marching columns of dead events
[01:36.08] I was tender, and, often, true
[01:39.85] Ever a prey to coincidence
[01:43.33] Always knew I the consequence
[01:47.43] Always saw what the end would be
[01:51.18] We're as Nature has made us -- hence
[01:54.55] I loved them until they loved me
[02:12.95] Princes, never I'd give offense
[02:15.97] Won't you think of me tenderly?
[02:19.33] Here's my strength and my weakness, gents -
[02:23.21] I loved them until they loved me
[02:57.71]