The Jealous Husband by Robert Browning :: essays research papers

The suspicious HusbandThats my last Duchess painted on the wall,Looking as if she were alive. I callThat piece a wonder, now Fr Pandolfs handsWorked busily a day, and there she stands.5 Willt enthral you sit and look at her? I saidFr Pandolf by design, for never readStrangers akin you that pictured countenance,The depth and passion of its earnest glance,But to myself they turned (since no(prenominal) puts by10 The curtain I have drawn for you, barely I)And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst,How such a glance came there so, not the firstAre you to turn and ask thus. Sir, twas not Her husbands presence only, called that vilification15 Of joy into the Duchesss cheek perhapsFr Pandolf chanced to say Her chill lapsOver my ladys wrist too much, or PaintMust never apprehend to reproduce the faint Half-flush that dies along her throat such stuff20 Was courtesy, she thought, and get along enoughFor calling up that spot of joy. She hadA heart&8212how shall I say?&8212too soon made glad,Too easily move she liked whateerShe looked on, and her looks went everywhere.25 Sir, twas all one My favor at her breast,The dropping of the daylight in the West,The bough of cherries some officious foolBroke in the orchard for her, the white muleShe rode with round the terrace&8212all and distributively30 Would draw from her alike the approving speech,Or blush, at least. She thanked men&8212good but thankedSomehow&8212I know not how&8212as if she rankedMy gift of a nine-hundred-years-old nameWith anybodys gift. Whod stoop to blame35 This sort of trifling? Even had you skillIn speech&8212(which I have not)&8212to make your willQuite clear to such an one, and say, Just thisOr that in you disgust me here you miss,Or there exceed the mark&8212and if she permit40 Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly setHer wits to yours, forsooth, and made pardon&8211Een then would be some stooping and I choose never to stoop. Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt,Wheneer I passed her but who pass ed without45 Much the same smile? This grew I gave commandsThen all smiles stopped together. There she stands As if alive. Willt please you rise? Well meetThe company below, then. I repeat,The Count your masters known generosity50 Is ample warrant that no just pretenseOf mine for dowry will be disallowedThough his fair daughters self, as I avowedAt starting, is my object. Nay, well goTogether down, sir. Notice Neptune, though,55 Taming a sea horse, thought a rarity,