Page:Leaves of Grass (1860).djvu/106

98  You are also asking me questions, and I hear you, I answer that I cannot answer—you must find out
 * for yourself.

Sit a while, wayfarer, Here are biscuits to eat, and here is milk to drink, But as soon as you sleep, and renew yourself in
 * sweet clothes, I will certainly kiss you with my
 * good-bye kiss, and open the gate for your egress
 * hence.

Long enough have you dreamed contemptible dreams, Now I wash the gum from your eyes, You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light,
 * and of every moment of your life.

Long have you timidly waded, holding a plank by
 * the shore,

Now I will you to be a bold swimmer, To jump off in the midst of the sea, rise again, nod
 * to me, shout, and laughingly dash with your hair.

I am the teacher of athletes, He that by me spreads a wider breast than my own,
 * proves the width of my own,

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

The boy I love, the same becomes a man, not through
 * derived power, but in his own right,

Wicked, rather than virtuous out of conformity or
 * fear,

Fond of his sweetheart, relishing well his steak,