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SURSUM CORDA by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: SEEK NOT THE SPIRIT, IF IT HIDE
Last Line: FOR ONLY IT CAN ABSOLUTELY DEAL.

Seek not the spirit, if it hide
Inexorable to thy zeal:
Baby, do not whine and chide:
Art thou not also real?
Why shouldst thou stoop to poor excuse?
Turn on the accuser roundly; say,

'Here am I, here will I remain
Forever to myself soothfast;
Go thou, sweet Heaven, or at thy pleasure stay!' Already
Heaven with thee its lot has cast,
For only it can absolutely deal.




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