Excelsior

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

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