Poem by George Meredith

Modern Love. Sonnet 21. We Three are on the Cedar-Shadowed Lawn

We three are on the cedar-shadowed lawn;
My friend being third. He who at love once laughed,
Is in the weak rib by a fatal shaft
Struck through, and tells his passion's bashful dawn
And radiant culmination, glorious crown,
When 'this' she said: went 'thus': most wondrous she.
Our eyes grow white, encountering: that we are three,
Forgetful; then together we look down.
But he demands our blessing; is convinced
That words of wedded lovers must bring good.
We question; if we dare! or if we shoud!
And pat him, with light laugh. We have not winced.
Next, she has fallen. Fainting points the sign
To happy things in wedlock. When she wakes,
She looks the star that thro' the cedar shakes:
Her lost moist hand clings mortally to mine.

1. Modern Love. Sonnet 24. The Misery is Greater, as I Live!
2. Hawarden
3. On Como
4. Modern Love. Sonnet 7. She Issues Radiant from Her Dressing-room
5. Modern Love. Sonnet 12. Not Solely that the Future She Destroys

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