The process of reading is not a half sleep, but in the highest sense, an exercise, a gymnast's struggle: that the reader is to do something for him or herself, must be on the alert, just construct indeed the poem, argument, history, metaphysical essay--the text furnishing the hints, the clue, the start, the framework.

I refuse putting from me the best that I am.

The strongest and sweetest songs yet remain to be sung.

I am large, I contain multitudes

A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.

Nothing can happen more beautiful than death.

Me imperturbe, standing at ease in nature.