I asked my lady what she did
She gave me a silver flute and smiled.
A musician I guessed, yes that would explain
Her temperament so wild.
I asked my lady what she did
She gave me a comb inlaid with pearl.
A hairdresser I guessed, yes that would explain
Each soft and billowing curl.
I asked my lady what she did
She gave me a skein of wool and left.
A weaver I guessed, yes that would explain
Her fingers long and deft.
I asked my lady what she did
She gave me a slipper trimmed with lace.
A dancer I guessed, yes that would explain
Her suppleness and grace.
I asked my lady what she did
She gave me a picture not yet dry.
A painter I guessed, yes that would explain
The steadiness of her eye.
I asked my lady what she did
She gave me a fountain pen of gold.
A poet I guessed, yes that would explain
The strange stories that she told.
I asked my lady what she did
She told me – and oh, the grief!
I should have guessed, she’s under arrest
My lady was a thief!