Poem by George Meredith

Marian

I

She can be as wise as we,
And wiser when she wishes;
She can knit with cunning wit,
And dress the homely dishes.
She can flourish staff or pen,
And deal a wound that lingers;
She can talk the talk of men,
And touch with thrilling fingers.

II

Match her ye across the sea,
Natures fond and fiery;
Ye who zest the turtle's nest
With the eagle's eyrie.
Soft and loving is her soul,
Swift and lofty soaring;
Mixing with its dove-like dole
Passionate adoring.

III

Such a she who'll match with me?
In flying or pursuing,
Subtle wiles are in her smiles
To set the world a-wooing.
She is steadfast as a star,
And yet the maddest maiden:
She can wage a gallant war,
And give the peace of Eden. 

1. Modern Love. Sonnet 12. Not Solely that the Future She Destroys
2. Joy Is Fleet
3. Modern Love. Sonnet 24. The Misery is Greater, as I Live!
4. Modern Love. Sonnet 39. She Yields: my Lady in her Noblest Mood
5. Modern Love. Sonnet 41. How Many a Thing which We Cast to the Ground

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