WHO has gone farthest? For lo! have not I gone farther? <br /> And who has been just? For I would be the most just person of the <br /> earth; <br /> And who most cautious? For I would be more cautious; <br /> And who has been happiest? O I think it is I! I think no one was ever <br /> happier than I; <br /> And who has lavish'd all? For I lavish constantly the best I have; <br /> And who has been firmest? For I would be firmer; <br /> And who proudest? For I think I have reason to be the proudest son <br /> alive--for I am the son of the brawny and tall-topt city; <br /> And who has been bold and true? For I would be the boldest and truest <br /> being of the universe; <br /> And who benevolent? For I would show more benevolence than all the <br /> rest; <br /> And who has projected beautiful words through the longest time? Have <br /> I not outvied him? have I not said the words that shall stretch <br /> through longer time? 10 <br /> And who has receiv'd the love of the most friends? For I know what it <br /> is to receive the passionate love of many friends; <br /> And who possesses a perfect and enamour'd body? For I do not believe <br /> any one possesses a more perfect or enamour'd body than mine; <br /> And who thinks the amplest thoughts? For I will surround those <br /> thoughts; <br /> And who has made hymns fit for the earth? For I am mad with devouring <br /> extasy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth!<br /><br />Walt Whitman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/excelsior-2/
