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Poems (Procter)/Envy

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4678611Poems — EnvyAdelaide Anne Procter
ENVY.
HE was the first always: FortuneShone bright in his face.I fought for years; with no effortHe conquered the place:We ran; my feet were all bleeding,But he won the race.
Spite of his many successes,Men loved him the same;My one pale ray of good fortuneMet scoffing and blame.When we erred, they gave him pity,But me—only shame.
My home was still in the shadow,His lay in the sun:I longed in vain: what he asked forIt straightway was done.Once I staked all my heart's treasure,We played—and he won.
Yes; and just now I have seen him,Cold, smiling, and blest,Laid in his coffin. God help me!While he is at rest,I am cursed still to live:—evenDeath loved him the best.