Mata Hari

My spirit will dance on, long after my body is gone.

I am a bird, and they try to clip my wings.

The greatest adventure is to live without fear.

I was a woman of pleasure, not a woman of politics.

My exoticism was my invention, my freedom my creation.

They sought to destroy me, but they only made me immortal.

I never lied about who I was, only about what I did.

My dance was a rebellion against the ordinary.

The world is a stage, and I was merely playing my part.

I embraced every moment, for life is too short to be dull.

My heart belonged to no nation, only to love.

I was born to be wild and free, not to be caged like an animal.

A courtesan? Yes. A spy? Never.

Men are so easy to fool. Especially when they think with their loins.

I am a dancer, not a spy. I have danced for kings and princes, for generals and ministers. I have danced for the love of dancing, and for the money it brings.

My dancing is my life. It is my art. It is my soul.

I was not made for a quiet life. I need excitement, adventure, and love.

I am a woman who loves pleasure and who loves adventure.

The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.

I am a courtesan, yes, but I am an artist first.