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No, it wasn't thieves, it wasn't rapacious marauders, it wasn't the malevolence of another. Alas, no. If it had been, perhaps then this sorry state would be so much easier to bear. It was me—or rather it was, I was going to say my acquiescence, but that is not sufficient. It was my generosity. Yes, my generosity. Beauty comes with its costs, its responsibilities. I am so beautiful. Still. I know it. Just look upon me. Please do not think that I wish to exaggerate my condition. Or to complain. I do not wish to add to the keening of the general world. Can you tell me, why can't they be quieted? Why can't they be soothed? But you asked, and so I answer. Gladly. I am so beautiful that it was simply wrong to be stingy. I could not bear to be stingy. I presented myself to you all. Here, take me; take my beauty if it pleases you. Oh, how it pleased you all. How it pleased me that you wished to take. To be perfectly honest, it pleased me greatly to be ransacked by the—how shall I put it—by the hungriest of you. My most ardent lovers. Hungrily feeding. Hungrily reaching for more of me. Here, take, I offer you all.