At times it has been doubtful to me if Emerson really knows or feels what Poetry is at its highest, as in the Bible, for instance, or Homer or Shakspeare. I see he covertly or plainly likes best superb verbal polish, or something old or odd

When one reaches out to help another he touches the face of God.

Give me such shows - give me the streets of Manhattan!

The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem.

Copulation is no more foul to me than death is.

That the hands of the sisters Death and Night incessantly softly wash again and ever again, this soiled world.

He most honors my style who learns under it to destroy the teacher.