VIRTUE O wanton one, O wicked one, how was it that you came, Down from the paths of purity, to walk the streets of shame? And wherefore was that precious wealth, God gave to you in trust, Flung broadcast for the feet of men to trample in the dust? VICE VICE O prudent one, O spotless one, now listen well to me. The ways that led to where I tread these paths of sin, were three: And God, and good folks, all combined to make them fair to see. VIRTUE VIRTUE O wicked one, blasphemous one, now how could that thing be? p. 12VICE p. 12 VICE The first was Nature’s lovely road, whereon my life was hurled. I felt the stirring in my blood, which permeates the world. I thrilled like willows in the spring, when sap begins to flow, It was young passion in my veins, but how was I to know? The second was the silent road, where modest mothers dwell, And hide from eager, curious minds, the truth they ought to tell. That misnamed road called ‘Innocence’ should bear the sign ‘to Hell.’ With song and dance in ignorance I walked that road and fell. VIRTUE VIRTUE O fallen one, unhappy one, but why not rise and go Back to the ways you left behind, and leave your sins below, Nor linger in this sink of sin, since now you see, and know. p. 13VICE p. 13 VICE
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