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Leaves of Grass (1891-92)
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HAD I THE CHOICE.
Had I the choice to tally greatest bards, |
To limn their portraits, stately, beautiful, and emulate at will, |
Homer with all his wars and warriors—Hector, Achilles, Ajax, |
Or Shakspere's woe-entangled Hamlet, Lear, Othello—Tenny-
son's fair ladies,
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Metre or wit the best, or choice conceit to wield in perfect
rhyme, delight of singers;
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These, these, O sea, all these I'd gladly barter, |
Would you the undulation of one wave, its trick to me transfer, |
Or breathe one breath of yours upon my verse, |
And leave its odor there. |
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