ALL OR NOTHING.

(EMERSON)

Whoso answers my questions

Knoweth more than me;

Hunger is but knowledge

In a less degree:

Prophet, priest, and poet

Oft prevaricate,

And the surest sentence

Hath the greatest weight.

When upon my gaiters

Drops the morning dew,

Somewhat of Life's riddle

Soaks my spirit through.

I am buskined by the goddess

Of Monadnock's crest,

And my wings extended

Touch the East and West.

Or ever coal was hardened

In the cells of earth,

Or flowed the founts of Bourbon,

Lo! I had my birth.

I am crowned coeval

With the Saurian eggs,

And my fancy firmly

Stands on its own legs.

Wouldst thou know the secret

Of the barberry-bush,

Catch the slippery whistle

Of the moulting thrush,

Dance upon the mushrooms,

Dive beneath the sea,

Or anything else remarkable,

Thou must follow me!