PASSAGE TO INDIA

Have we not stood here like trees in the ground long enough?
Have we not grovel'd here long enough, eating and drinking
                like mere brutes?
Have not darken'd and dazed ourselves with books long enough?
Sail forth--steer for the deep waters only,
Reckless O soul, exploring, I with thee, and thou with me,
For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared to go,
And we will risk the ship, ourselves and all.
O my brave soul!
O farther farther sail!
O daring joy, but safe! are they not all the seas of God?
O farther, farther, farther sail!

                                                                                       --Walt Whitman

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