Poems by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
page 16 of 95 (16%)
page 16 of 95 (16%)
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When he was feted and caressed
And I was coldly spurned? Would you blame him, when you draw from me Your dainty robes aside, If he with gilded baits should claim Your fairest as his bride? Would you blame the world if it should press On him a civic crown; And see me struggling in the depth Then harshly press me down? Crime has no sex and yet to-day I wear the brand of shame; Whilst he amid the gay and proud Still bears an honored name. Can you blame me if I've learned to think Your hate of vice a sham, When you so coldly crushed me down And then excused the man? Would you blame me if to-morrow The coroner should say, 14 A DOUBLE STANDARD. |
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