Great Regulars: Addressing her belovèd, the speaker begs him

not to worry over her solemn expression. She has experienced great difficulty accepting this love relationship, in part because of her penchant for melancholy. She has suffered physically and mentally for so long that it has become a part of her character and continues to disfigure her face.

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: Barrett Browning's Sonnet 15

~~~~~~~~~~~