Leaves of Grass (1867)

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WHEN I peruse the conquer'd fame of heroes, and the
victories of mighty generals, I do not envy the
generals,

Nor the President in his Presidency, nor the rich in
his great house;

But when I read of the brotherhood of lovers, how it
was with them,

How through life, through dangers, odium, unchang-
ing, long and long,

Through youth, and through middle and old age, how
unfaltering, how affectionate and faithful they
were,

Then I am pensive—I hastily put down the book, and
walk away, fill'd with the bitterest envy.

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