Poem by George Meredith

Modern Love. Sonnet 28. I Must be Flattered

I must be flattered. The imperious
Desire speaks out. Lady, I am content
To play with you the game of Sentiment,
And with you enter on paths perilous;
But if across your beauty I throw light,
To make it threefold, it must be all mine.
First secret; then avowed. For I must shine
Envied, -- I, lessened in my proper sight!
Be watchful of your beauty, Lady dear!
How much hangs on that lamp you cannot tell.
Most earnestly I pray you, tend it well:
And men shall see me as a burning sphere;
And men shall mark you eyeing me, and groan
To be the God of such a grand sunflower!
I feel the promptings of Satanic power,
While you do homage unto me alone.

1. Hawarden
2. Modern Love. Sonnet 24. The Misery is Greater, as I Live!
3. On Como
4. Modern Love. Sonnet 2. It Ended
5. Empdeocles

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