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						Modern Love XXVIII: I Must Be Flattered by George Meredith 
						
						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. 						 
						
						
						
						
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