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Leaves of Grass (1860)
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12.
ARE you the new person drawn toward me, and asking
something significant from me?
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To begin with, take warning—I am probably far
different from what you suppose;
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| Do you suppose you will find in me your ideal? |
Do you think it so easy to have me become your
lover?
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Do you think the friendship of me would be unalloyed
satisfaction?
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| Do you suppose I am trusty and faithful? |
Do you see no further than this façade—this smooth
and tolerant manner of me?
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Do you suppose yourself advancing on real ground
toward a real heroic man?
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Have you no thought, O dreamer, that it may be all
maya, illusion? O the next step may precipitate
you!
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View Page 359
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O let some past deceived one hiss in your ears, how
many have prest on the same as you are pressing
now,
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How many have fondly supposed what you are sup-
posing now—only to be disappointed.
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