Leaves of Grass (1860)

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¹ Now we start hence, I with the rest, on our jour-
neys through The States,

We willing learners of all, teachers of all, and lovers
of all.

² I have watched the seasons dispensing themselves,
and passing on,

And I have said, Why should not a man or woman
do as much as the seasons, and effuse as much?

³ We dwell a while in every city and town,

We pass through Kanada, the north-east, the vast
valley of the Mississippi, and the Southern
States,

We confer on equal terms with each of The States,

We make trial of ourselves, and invite men and
women to hear,

We say to ourselves, Remember, fear not, be candid,
promulge the body and the Soul,

Promulge real things—Never forget the equality of
humankind, and never forget immortality;

Dwell a while, and pass on—Be copious, temperate,
chaste, magnetic,

And what you effuse may then return as the seasons
return,

And may be just as much as the seasons.

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