When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame

Walt Whitman

   WHEN I peruse the conquer'd fame of heroes, and the victories of
         mighty generals, I do not envy the generals,
   Nor the President in his Presidency, nor the rich in his great house;
   But when I hear of the brotherhood of lovers, how it was with them,
   How through life, through dangers, odium, unchanging, long and long,
   Through youth, and through middle and old age, how unfaltering, how
         affectionate and faithful they were,
   Then I am pensive--I hastily walk away, fill'd with the bitterest
         envy.

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