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Calamus 12

Part of the cluster CALAMUS.

12.

ARE you the new person drawn toward me, and asking  
 something significant from me?
To begin with, take warning—I am probably far  
 different from what you suppose;
Do you suppose you will find in me your ideal? Do you think it so easy to have me become your  
 lover?
Do you think the friendship of me would be unalloyed  
 satisfaction?
Do you suppose I am trusty and faithful? Do you see no further than this façade—this smooth  
 and tolerant manner of me?
Do you suppose yourself advancing on real ground  
 toward a real heroic man?
Have you no thought, O dreamer, that it may be all  
 maya, illusion? O the next step may precipitate  
 you!
  [ begin page 359 ]ppp.01500.367.jpg O let some past deceived one hiss in your ears, how  
 many have prest on the same as you are pressing  
 now,
How many have fondly supposed what you are sup- 
 posing now—only to be disappointed.

Part of the cluster CALAMUS.

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