 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Leaves of grass. |  |
NOT THE PILOT.
NOT the pilot has charged himself to
bring his ship
into port, though
beaten back, and many times
baffled;
Not the path-finder, penetrating inland, weary and long,
By deserts parch'd, snows-chill'd, rivers wet, perse- veres till he reaches his destination,
More than I have charged myself, heeded or un- heeded, to compose a free march for These States,
To be exhilarating music to them, years, centuries hence.
Not the path-finder, penetrating inland, weary and long,
By deserts parch'd, snows-chill'd, rivers wet, perse- veres till he reaches his destination,
More than I have charged myself, heeded or un- heeded, to compose a free march for These States,
To be exhilarating music to them, years, centuries hence.
| Leaves of grass. | |