3 86 LITERARY PAPERS 



ing state of human affairs is so utterly wrong as to be righted 

 only by destroying it and starting anew, then comes the per- 

 sonal justification of a revolutionist. 



Certain passages in Whitman's prose writings point to his 

 expressions of revolution being meant in a symbolic sense. 

 Possibly his poetic expressions of revolt may be likewise 

 meant. 



"Pale, silent, stern, what could I say to that long-accrued retribution? 



Could I wish humanity different? 



Could I wish the people made of wood and stone ? 



Or that there be no justice in destiny or time ? 



O Liberty! O mate for me! 



Here too the blaze, the grape-shot and the axe, in reserve, to fetch them 



out in case of need, 



Here too, though long represt, can never be destroy 'd, 

 Here too could rise at last murdering and ecstatic, 

 Here too demanding full arrears of vengeance." 



"Courage yet my brother or my sister ! 



Keep on Liberty is to be subserv'd whatever occurs; 



(Not songs of loyalty alone are these, 



But songs of insurrection also, 



For I am the sworn poet of every dauntless rebel the world over, 



And he going with me leaves peace and routine behind him, 



And stakes his life to be lost at any moment)." 



Again Whitman tells us: 



"What we believe in waits latent forever through all the continents, 

 Invites no one, promises nothing, sits in calmness and light, is positive 



and composed, knows no discouragement, 

 Waiting patiently, waiting its time." 



And Whitman extends his sympathy to those who, abiding 

 the truths that rest in all things, " neither hasten their own 

 delivery nor resist it." Whitman stands for each in warm 

 sympathy. He looks to the time when the "People themselves 

 are lifted, illumined, bathed in peace elate, secure in peace," 



