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Excelsior.

Part of the cluster FROM NOON TO STARRY NIGHT.

EXCELSIOR.

WHO has gone farthest? for I would go farther, 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 cautious, 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 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 benevolence than  
 all the rest,
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 would surround those  
 thoughts,
And who has made hymns fit for the earth? for I am mad with de- 
 vouring ecstasy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth.

Part of the cluster FROM NOON TO STARRY NIGHT.

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