WHO has gone farthest? For I swear I will 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 lavished 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 be- nevolence than all the rest;And who has projected beautiful words through the longest time? By God! I will outvie him! I will say such words, they shall stretch through longer time!And who has received the love of the most friends? For I know what it is to receive the passionate love of many friends;And to whom has been given the sweetest from women, and paid them in kind? For I will take the like sweets and pay them in kind;
[ begin page 189 ]ppp.01500.197.jpgAnd who possesses a perfect and enamoured body? For I do not believe any one possesses a more perfect or enamoured body than mine;And who thinks the amplest thoughts? For I will surround those thoughts;And who has made hymns fit for the earth? For I am mad with devouring extacy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth!