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1803–1882

SURSUM CORDA

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Seek not the spirit, if it hide Inexorable to thy zeal: Trembler, do not whine and chide: Art thou not also real?

Stoop not then to poor excuse; Turn on the accuser roundly; say, ‘ Here am I, here will I abide 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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SURSUM CORDA · Ralph Waldo Emerson · Poetry Cove