My Last Dutchess Meanings

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Those who see it if they dare, ask how such an expression came to be on her face As they would ask me if they durst how a glance came there

You are not the first to ask how she came to look this way So not the first

It was not my presence that made her look so happy Sir, twas not her husbands presence only; called that spot

Perhaps the painter flirted with her Her mantle laps on my ladies wrist to much, or paint must never hope to reproduce the faint fair flush that dies along her throat.

She enjoyed the attention, even if he was only being polite Such stuff was courtesy, she thought, but cause enough for calling up that spot of joy

She was easily impressed and enjoyed men flirting with her Too soon made glad, too easily impressed

She liked looking at men She liked whatever she looked on, and her looks went everywhere

I was her favourite once, but that soon faded My favour at her breast

Men gave her gifts Some officious fool broke in the orchard for her.

All men were treated the same by her Would draw from her alike, the approving speech

She thanked men for their gifts, how she thanked them I do not want to know But thanked somehow, I know not how.

How could she put my gift of my ancient, respected name, through marriage, on the same level as men's gifts How she ranked my gift of a nine-hundred-years old name, with anybodies gift.

How could I lower myself to tell her that I disapprove Who'd stoop to blame the sort of trifling

If I did tell her I disapprove and she listened, and gave her excuses, I would have