Page 339 - DENG405_BRITISH_POETRY

British Poetry

Notes most about the painting of the Duchess—he feels that the painter accurately captured the smile and
the vivacity of the Duchess. Now that the Duke owns this painting and has placed it behind a
curtain, he can at last control who is graced with her smile.
When the Duchess was alive, the Duke could not control her smile and love for life and he considered
her unfaithful. It is thought that he poisoned her because of these suspicions. Other aspects of the
Duke that remain unclear include his true character. As mentioned, he is presenting his best side,
but through his speech the reader sees how he is very jealous and controlling, which leads one to
believe that he may have many dishonorable qualities. Another ambiguous quality about the Duke
is his historical character. The poem clearly references the historical Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara
(a city in northeast Italy), whose first wife died suspiciously within two years of their marriage.
We know that Browning’s Duke has a 900-year-old name of which he is very proud, and, based on
his collection of paintings and sculptures, that he was a patron of the arts. Both facts correspond
with information known about the historical Duke. However, the poem omits some important
information. Browning does not refer to the Duchess in the painting as being a member of the royal
de Medici family. Historical sources indicate that Alfonso’s first wife was Lucretia de Medici, the
daughter of two very important and powerful Italian monarchs. The poem is based on the fact that
she died within two years of the Duke’s ascension to the throne. Although sources indicate that she
died suspiciously, it was never proven that the Duke had anything to do with her death.

29.2 The Last Ride Together

29.2.1 Text

I

I said—Then, dearest, since ’tis so,
Since now at length my fate I know,
Since nothing all my love avails,
Since all, my life seemed meant for, fails,
Since this was written and needs must be—
My whole heart rises up to bless
Your name in pride and thankfulness!
Take back the hope you gave,—I claim
—Only a memory of the same,
—And this beside, if you will not blame,
Your leave for one more last ride with me.

II
My mistress bent that brow of hers;
Those deep dark eyes where pride demurs
When pity would be softening through,
Fixed me, a breathing-while or two,
With life or death in the balance: right!
The blood replenished me again;
My last thought was at least not vain:

332 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY