Living

La Derniere Robe de Soi

by E. Nesbit 1858–1924

From The Rainbow and the Rose (1905)

Living

OH, silken gown, all pink and pretty,
Bought, quite a bargain, in the City,
Your ill-trained soul full false has played me--
No Paris gown would have betrayed me.

You knew, my pretty silken treasure,
I must not wed for love or pleasure,
But for a settlement and title;
Yet you encouraged his recital!

He said--oh, faithless gown, you listened
While on your sheen two tear drops glistened--
He said . . . let love to music set it,
I'll never speak it--nor forget it!

"No, no!" I cried, I tried to save you--
False gown, you showed the tears I gave you!
You looked discreet when first I found you.
How could you let his arm go round you?

You darling dress--I'll smooth your creases,
I'll wear you till you drop to pieces;
But poor men's wives wear cotton only--
Dear gown--I hope you won't feel lonely!

✦ ✦ ✦

From The Rainbow and the Rose (1905)

MLA

Nesbit, E. “La Derniere Robe de Soi.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/nesbit/144/.

Chicago

Nesbit, E. “La Derniere Robe de Soi.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/nesbit/144/.

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