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Rh Not for nothing have the indomitable heads of the
 * earth been always ready to fall for Liberty!

Are indeed for Liberty? Are you a man who would assume a place to teach
 * here, or lead here, or be a poet here?

The place is august—the terms obdurate.

Who would assume to teach here, may well prepare
 * himself, body and mind,

He may well survey, ponder, arm, fortify, harden,
 * make lithe, himself,

He shall surely be questioned beforehand by me with
 * many and stern questions.

Who are you, indeed, who would talk or sing in
 * America?

Have you studied out, its idioms and
 * men?

Have you learned the physiology, phrenology, politics,
 * geography, pride, freedom, friendship, of
 * my land? its substratums and objects?

Have you considered the organic compact of the first
 * day of the first year of the independence of The
 * States, signed by the Commissioners, ratified by
 * The States, and read by Washington at the head
 * of the army?

Have you possessed yourself of the Federal Constitution? Do you acknowledge Liberty with audible and absolute
 * acknowledgment, and set slavery at nought
 * for life and death?

Do you see who have left described processes and
 * poems behind them, and assumed new ones?