University of Virginia Library

WHO has gone farthest? For I swear I will go 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 be-     nevolence than all the rest;
And who has projected beautiful words through the      longest time? By God! I will outvie him! I      will say such words, they 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 to whom has been given the sweetest from      women, and paid them in kind? For I will      take the like sweets and pay them in kind;
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 extacy to make joyous      hymns for the whole earth!