“On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread, appeared the letter A.”

Source: The Scarlet Letter (1850), Chapter II: The Market-Place

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Nathaniel Hawthorne photo
Nathaniel Hawthorne 128
American novelist and short story writer (1804 – 1879) 1804–1864

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“There are women here who can barely afford enough gown to cover their breasts.”

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“Armida smiles to hear, but keeps her gaze
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Her locks she braided and their wanton ways
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She wound the curls of her fine strands with sprays
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Ride Armida a quel dir: ma non che cesse
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Poichè intrecciò le chiome, e che ripresse
Con ordin vago i lor lascivi errori,
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Quasi smalto su l'or, consparse i fiori:
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“I stole every nickel, dime and dollar and blew it on fine threads, luxurious lodgings, fantastic foxes and other sensual goodies. I partied in every capital in Europe and bask on all the worlds most famous beaches.”

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Variant: I stole every nickel, dime and dollar and blew it on fine threads, luxurious lodgings, fantastic foxes and other sensual goodies. I partied in every capital in Europe and bask on all the worlds most famous beaches.
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