Leaves of Grass (1871-72)
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| WHO has gone farthest? For lo! have not I gone far-
ther? |
| And who has been just? For I would be the most just
person of the earth; |
| And who most cautious? For I would be more cau-
tious; |
| And who has been happiest? O I think it is I! I think
no one was ever happier than I; |
| And who has lavish'd all? For I lavish constantly the
best I have; |
| And who has been firmest? For I would be firmer; |
| And who proudest? For I think I have reason to be
the proudest son alive—for I am the son of the brawny and tall-topt city; |
| And who has been bold and true? For I would be the
boldest and truest being of the universe; |
| And who benevolent? For I would show more benevo-
lence than all the rest; |
| And how has projected beautiful words through the
longest time? Have I not outvied him? have I not said the words that shall stretch through longer time? |
| And who has receiv'd the love of the most friends? For
I know what it is to receive the passionate love of many friends; |
)
|
| And who possesses a perfect and enamour'd body? For
I do not believe any one possesses a more perfect or enamour'd body than mine; |
| And who thinks the amplest thoughts? For I will sur-
round those thoughts; |
| And who has made hymns fit for the earth? For I am
mad with devouring extasy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth! |