Leaves of Grass (1871-72)

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¹ ON journeys through the States we start,

(Ay through the world—urged by these songs,

Sailing henceforth to every land—to every sea;)

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

² We have watch'd the seasons dispensing themselves,
and passing on,

We 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;

Dwell a while and pass on—Se 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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