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Leaves of Grass (1871-72)
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NOT THE PILOT.
NOT the pilot has charged himself to bring his ship
into port, though beaten back, and many times
baffled;
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Not the path-finder, penetrating inland, weary and
long,
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By deserts parch'd, snows-chill'd, rivers wet, perseveres
till he reaches his destination,
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More than I have charged myself, heeded or unheeded,
to compose a free march for These States,
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To be exhilarating music to them—a battle-call, rousing
to arms, if need be—years, centuries hence.
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