O me, what I was for years, now dead, (I lament not — I am content ;)
O to disengage myself from those corpses of me, which I turn and look at, where I cast them !
To pass on, (0 living ! always living !) and leave the corpses behind !
28.
When I peruse the conquered fame of heroes, and the victories of mighty generals, I do not envy the generals.
Nor the President in his Presidency, nor the rich in his great house ;
But when I read of the brotherhood of lovers, how it was with them.
How through life, through dangers, odium, un- changing, long and long.
Through youth, and through middle and old age, how unfaltering, how affectionate and faithful they were.
Then I am pensive — I hastily put down the book, and walk away, filled with the bitterest envy.