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In Paths Untrodden.

Part of the cluster CALAMUS.

IN PATHS UNTRODDEN.

IN paths untrodden, In the growth by margins of pond-waters, Escaped from the life that exhibits itself, From all the standards hitherto publish'd, from the pleasures,  
 profits, conformities,
Which too long I was offering to feed my soul, Clear to me now standards not yet publish'd, clear to me that my  
 soul,
That the soul of the man I speak for rejoices in comrades, Here by myself away from the clank of the world, Tallying and talk'd to here by tongues aromatic,   [ begin page 96 ]ppp.01663.102.jpg No longer abash'd, (for in this secluded spot I can respond as I  
 would not dare elsewhere,)
Strong upon me the life that does not exhibit itself, yet contains  
 all the rest,
Resolv'd to sing no songs to-day but those of manly attachment, Projecting them along that substantial life, Bequeathing hence types of athletic love, Afternoon this delicious Ninth-month in my forty-first year, I proceed for all who are or have been young men, To tell the secret of my nights and days, To celebrate the need of comrades.

Part of the cluster CALAMUS.

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