Of Fate, I ask no recompense:
she played a stronger hand than I.
But, had I any hint of sense,
the victory could have been mine.

Her strategy now seems so clear,
and all the weapons I supplied:
my reticence, my pride, my fear.
I should have seen, but I was blind.

So now I stand and face my foe;
our game, for now, has reached its end.
As victor, cruel Fate seeks to know:
“Who will be spared: you or your friend?”