INSCRIPTIONS. ONE'S-SELF I SING. First published in 1870. ONE'S-SELF I sing-a simple, separate Person; Of Physiology from top to toe I sing; Not physiognomy alone, nor brain alone, is worthy for the muse -I say the Form complete is worthier far; The Female equally with the male I sing. Of Life immense in passion, pulse, and power, Cheerful-for freest action form'd, under the laws divine, AS I PONDER'D IN SILENCE. As I ponder'd in silence, First published in 1870. I. Returning upon my poems, considering, lingering long, The genius of poets of old lands, As to me directing like flame its eyes, With finger pointing to many immortal songs, And menacing voice, What singest thou? it said; Know'st thou not, there is but one theme for ever-enduring bards? And that is the theme of War, the fortune of battles, The making of perfect soldiers? Be it so, then I answer'd, 2 ΙΟ I too, haughty Shade, also sing war-and a longer and greater one than any, ( 11 ) |