Say "There is no such story men could tell,"

And I'll believe you, though I disbelieve

The world—the world of better men than I,

And women such as I suppose you. Speak!

[After a pause.] Not speak? Explain then! Clear it up then! Move

Some of the miserable weight away

That presses lower than the grave! Not speak?

Some of the dead weight, Mildred! Ah, if I

Could bring myself to plainly make their charge

Against you! Must I, Mildred? Silent still?