“How can my love hold him when the other”

The speaker begins by expressing doubt about the effectiveness of her love in keeping the man she loves.

“Flaunts a gaudy lust and is lioness”

The speaker contrasts herself with another woman who displays a bold and ostentatious desire (“gaudy lust”). The use of “lioness” suggests strength and dominance, perhaps indicating that the other woman is more assertive in pursuing the man.

“To his beast?”

The comparison of the man to a “beast” implies a certain primal or instinctive nature. It creates an image of a powerful, untamed individual.

“Men are worthless, to trap them”

The speaker expresses a somewhat cynical view of men, suggesting that they may be easily enticed or trapped. The term “worthless” might reflect the speaker’s frustration or disillusionment.

“Use the cheapest bait of all, but never”

The speaker advises on a strategy for attracting or trapping men, suggesting that it’s easy to do so using something superficial (“the cheapest bait”). However, she adds a caveat with “but never,” indicating there’s a limit or a line that should not be crossed.

“Love, which in a woman must mean tears”

The speaker explores the idea that genuine love, especially when expressed by a woman, is associated with emotional pain (“tears”). This line reflects societal expectations or stereotypes about women’s emotions.

“And a silence in the blood.”

The concluding line suggests that love for a woman is not just about tears but also involves a profound, internal struggle or suppression (“silence in the blood”). This could imply that societal norms or personal conflicts prevent the open expression of love.