Lord Byron, Don Juan, canto I, verse CXVII:

And Julia's voice was lost, except in sighs.

Until too late for useful conversation ;
The tears were gushing from her gentle eyes,

I wish, indeed, they had not had occasion ;
But who, alas ! can love, and then be wise?

Not that Remorse did not oppose Temptation ;
A little still she strove, and much repented.
And whispering "I will ne'er consent " — consented.

Pravda:

After claiming for months they couldn't vote for a bill without the strongest possible government-run insurance option, liberals are putting aside their disappointment over the weaker version in the legislation for a historic chance to remake America's medical system.

"The current language is far weaker than what I would have preferred, and I think that is also true of the Progressive Caucus," Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said Friday. "But because I did not come up here to participate in gridlock and acrimony, I have told leadership that I am willing to compromise."

Indeed. The temptation to engage in yet another narrative of weakness is almost overwhelming. But isn't it more fair to say, "Mission accomplished?"

The insurance companies are bailed out. Single payer is outlawed. Costs will not decrease. And everybody played their part! Republicans opposed everything. The finance wing of the FKDP sold out to Big Pharma and the insurance companies while Obama was still lowering his right hand after taking the oath of office. Blue Dogs took their cut. "Progressives" sucked all the oxygen out of the discourse for real reform with their doomed [a|the] [strong|robust]? public [health insurance]? [option|plan]. And the liberals... avoided acrimony.

Well done, Democrats! Well done "progressives"! Well done Versailles! Everybody played their part! I'm proud of you.