Page:Leaves of Grass (1860).djvu/220

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Leaves of Grass.

4. The indirect is more than the direct,

The spirit receives from the body just as much as it gives to the body, if not more.

5. Not one word or deed — not venereal sore, discoloration, privacy of the onanist, putridity of gluttons or rum-drinkers, peculation, cunning, betrayal, murder, seduction, prostitution, but has results beyond death, as really as before death.

6. Charity and personal force are the only investments worth anything.

7. No specification is necessary—all that a male or female does, that is vigorous, benevolent, clean, is so much profit to him or her, in the unshakable order of the universe, and through the whole scope of it forever.

8. Who has been wise, receives interest,

Savage, felon, President, judge, farmer, sailor, mechanic, young, old, it is the same,
The interest will come round—all will come round.

9. Singly, wholly, to affect now, affected their time, will forever affect, all of the past, and all of the present, and all of the future,

All the brave actions of war and peace,
All help given to relatives, strangers, the poor, old, sorrowful, young children, widows, the sick, and to shunned persons,
All furtherance of fugitives, and of the escape of slaves,