Excelsior

Who has gone farthest? For lo! have not I gone farther? And who has been just? For I would be the most just person of the earth; And who most cautious? For I would be more cautious; And who has been happiest? O I think it is I! I think no one was ever happier than I; And who has lavish'd all? For I lavish constantly the best I have; And who has been firmest? For I would be firmer; And who proudest? For I think I have reason to be the proudest son alive--for I am the son of the brawny and tall-topt city; And who has been bold and true? For I would be the boldest and truest being of the universe; And who benevolent? For I would show more benevolence than all the rest; And who has projected beautiful words through the longest time? Have I not outvied him? have I not said the words that shall stretch through longer time? And who has receiv'd the love of the most friends? For I know what it is to receive the passionate love of many friends; And who possesses a perfect and enamour'd body? For I do not believe any one possesses a more perfect or enamour'd body than mine; And who thinks the amplest thoughts? For I will surround those thoughts; And who has made hymns fit for the earth? For I am mad with devouring extasy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth!