And being lighted, by the light he spies Lucretia's glove, wherein her needle sticks: He takes it from the rushes where it lies, And griping it, the needle his finger pricks; As who should say 'This glove to wanton tricks Is not inured; return again in haste; Thou see'st our mistress' ornaments are chaste.'
And being lighted, by the light he spies
With his torch now relit, Tarquin is able to see around him thanks to the light.
Lucretia's glove, wherein her needle sticks:
He notices Lucrece’s glove, which still has her sewing needle stuck in it, suggesting her recent presence and her domestic, innocent activities.
He takes it from the rushes where it lies,
Tarquin picks up the glove from the floor (rushes were commonly used as floor coverings), further invading Lucrece’s personal space.
And griping it, the needle his finger pricks;
As he grabs the glove, the needle pricks his finger, causing him pain—a symbolic warning or a sign of guilt.
As who should say 'This glove to wanton tricks
The prick of the needle seems to tell him that this glove has never been used for immoral acts (“wanton tricks”).
Is not inured; return again in haste;
The glove is not accustomed to such behavior and urges him to put it back quickly, as if the objects in Lucrece’s room are themselves chaste and virtuous.
Thou see'st our mistress' ornaments are chaste.'
The glove and needle seem to insist that their owner, Lucrece, is pure and virtuous, and that Tarquin’s intentions are dishonorable.
This stanza uses the imagery of Lucrece’s personal belongings to reinforce her innocence and virtue. The glove and needle, symbols of her domesticity and chastity, almost “speak” to Tarquin, warning him against his intended crime. The pain from the needle acts as a physical and moral warning, highlighting the unnaturalness and guilt of Tarquin’s actions.