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Leaves of Grass (1871-72)
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TO A HISTORIAN.
| YOU who celebrate bygones! |
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Who have explored the outward, the surfaces of the
races—the life that has exhibited itself; |
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Who have treated of man as the creature of politics,
aggregates, rulers and priests; |
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I, habitan of the Alleghanies, treating of him as he is
in himself, in his own rights, |
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Pressing the pulse of the life that has seldom exhibited
itself, (the great pride of man in himself;) |
| Chanter of Personality, outlining what is yet to be, |
| I project the history of the future. |