Candor

“I know what you’re going to say,” she said, And she stood up, causing him some alarm; “You’re going to tell me I’ll lose my charm, And what is a woman when charm has fled? And you’re going to say that you greatly fear I don’t understand a woman’s sphere; Now aren’t you honestly?” “Yes,” he said. “I know what you’re going to say,” she said, “You’re going to ask what I hope to gain By stepping down to the dusty plain, By seeking a stone when I might have bread; You’re going to say: ‘Can a vote replace The tender force of a woman’s grace?’ Now, aren’t you honestly?” “Yes,” he said. “I know what you’re going to do,” he said, “You’re going to talk to me all day long Trying to make me see I’m wrong; And other men who are less misled Will pale with jealousy when they see The time you give to converting me; Now, aren’t you honestly?” “Ye-es,” she said.