The New Duchess (Inspired by "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning)
This was actually written ages ago; I was in a British Literature class that required us to keep a journal. I had the bright idea of doing mine in verse, and I produced this poem, when we studied Browning.
I never would've thought to post it if not for a request from rosehiptea over at 5minutefandoms. I hope this is as classy as she hoped for!
The New Duchess
"Have you ever seen a lovlier gown?
Trimmed with the finest Brussels lace,
It cost three hundred pounds-
And oh, the look on Father's face!
'She'll wear it once!' he roared.
'She's getting a dowry-a big one, too'
But Mother took my side, and implored,
Saying that to seem too frugal wouldn't do;
'Twould offend who who seeks her hand.
We cannot afford his ill-will;
Tis safest to be grand,
Altho' we may regret the bill.'
"Mind you pack that petticoat with care!
It is the finest that I've got.
Silk, soft as heavenly angel's hair,
Need I say it cost quite a lot?
Father, of course, begrudged every shilling.
To keep up appearances, he paid
Though he was most unwilling
And to Maman, claimed he prayed
That my duke wouldn't know 'til far too late
How dearly he'd pay for my exquisite taste.
"What foolishness! Father's man has told
Of the splendor of his residence,
Of sculpture, art, and precious gold
Everywhere in evidence.
Such a man will wish-nay, require
A perfectly groomed and turned-out wife,
Sparkling with lustrous gemstones; fire-
It shall be a lovely life!
"No, no! Wait! Stop!
You mustn't pack that yet!
Save that for the very top.
Don't you know how wrinkled it would get?
I shall wear that on my wedding night
To greet my husband fine
That he may find his heart's delight
In its alluring design.
"I mean to banish memory
Of she who came before,
So I will be the one that he
Adores forevermore.
I'll gaze at him, eyes shy and wide,
Wait breathless for his every word,
Never venture from his side,
And speak as sweetly as a bird.
He'll give me everything I ask,
When he forgets his sorrow...
Don't dawdle, girl, get on with your task-
For I depart tomorrow."
***
I never would've thought to post it if not for a request from rosehiptea over at 5minutefandoms. I hope this is as classy as she hoped for!
The New Duchess
"Have you ever seen a lovlier gown?
Trimmed with the finest Brussels lace,
It cost three hundred pounds-
And oh, the look on Father's face!
'She'll wear it once!' he roared.
'She's getting a dowry-a big one, too'
But Mother took my side, and implored,
Saying that to seem too frugal wouldn't do;
'Twould offend who who seeks her hand.
We cannot afford his ill-will;
Tis safest to be grand,
Altho' we may regret the bill.'
"Mind you pack that petticoat with care!
It is the finest that I've got.
Silk, soft as heavenly angel's hair,
Need I say it cost quite a lot?
Father, of course, begrudged every shilling.
To keep up appearances, he paid
Though he was most unwilling
And to Maman, claimed he prayed
That my duke wouldn't know 'til far too late
How dearly he'd pay for my exquisite taste.
"What foolishness! Father's man has told
Of the splendor of his residence,
Of sculpture, art, and precious gold
Everywhere in evidence.
Such a man will wish-nay, require
A perfectly groomed and turned-out wife,
Sparkling with lustrous gemstones; fire-
It shall be a lovely life!
"No, no! Wait! Stop!
You mustn't pack that yet!
Save that for the very top.
Don't you know how wrinkled it would get?
I shall wear that on my wedding night
To greet my husband fine
That he may find his heart's delight
In its alluring design.
"I mean to banish memory
Of she who came before,
So I will be the one that he
Adores forevermore.
I'll gaze at him, eyes shy and wide,
Wait breathless for his every word,
Never venture from his side,
And speak as sweetly as a bird.
He'll give me everything I ask,
When he forgets his sorrow...
Don't dawdle, girl, get on with your task-
For I depart tomorrow."
***