I am to follow her. There is much grace <br />In woman when thus bent on martyrdom. <br />They think that dignity of soul may come, <br />Perchance, with dignity of body. Base! <br />But I was taken by that air of cold <br />And statuesque sedateness, when she said <br />'I'm going'; lit a taper, bowed her head, <br />And went, as with the stride of Pallas bold. <br />Fleshly indifference horrible! The hands <br />Of Time now signal: O, she's safe from me! <br />Within those secret walls what do I see <br />Where first she set the taper down she stands: <br />Not Pallas: Hebe shamed! Thoughts black as death, <br />Like a stirred pool in sunshine break. Her wrists <br />I catch: she faltering, as she half resists, <br />'You love. . . ? love. . . ? love. . . ?' all on an in-drawn breath.<br /><br />George Meredith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/modern-love-xlii-i-am-to-follow-her/
