Page:Leaves of Grass (1860).djvu/330

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Leaves of Grass.

31.The earth never tires,
The earth is rude, silent, incomprehensible at first—
Nature is rude and incomprehensible at first;
Be not discouraged—keep on—there are divine
things, well enveloped,
I swear to you there are divine things more beautiful
than words can tell.

32.Allons! We must not stop here!
However sweet these laid-up stores—however convenient
this dwelling, we cannot remain here,
However sheltered this port, and however calm these
waters, we must not anchor here,
However welcome the hospitality that surrounds us,
we are permitted to receive it but a little while.

33.Allons! The inducements shall be great to you;
We will sail pathless and wild seas,
We will go where winds blow, waves dash, and the
Yankee clipper speeds by under full sail.

34.Allons! With power, liberty, the earth, the elements!
Health, defiance, gayety, self-esteem, curiosity;
Allons! from all formules!
From your formules, O bat-eyed and materialistic
priests!

35.The stale cadaver blocks up the passage—the burial
waits no longer.

36.Allons! Yet take warning!
He travelling with me needs the best blood, thews,
endurance,