This page has been validated.
Leaves of Grass.
303

4.O I will fetch bully breeds of children yet!
I will dismiss myself from impassive women,
I will go stay with her who waits for me, and with
those women that are warm-blooded and sufficient
for me;
I see that they understand me, and do not deny me,
I see that they are worthy of me—I will be the robust
husband of those women.

5.They are not one jot less than I am,
They are tanned in the face by shining suns and blowing
winds,
Their flesh has the old divine suppleness and strength,
They know how to swim, row, ride, wrestle, shoot,
run, strike, retreat, advance, resist, defend themselves,
They are ultimate in their own right—they are calm,
clear, well-possessed of themselves.

6.I draw you close to me, you women!
I cannot let you go, I would do you good,
I am for you, and you are for me, not only for our
own sake, but for others' sakes;
Enveloped in you sleep greater heroes and bards,
They refuse to awake at the touch of any man but me.

7.It is I, you women—I make my way,
I am stern, acrid, large, undissuadable—but I love
you,
I do not hurt you any more than is necessary for you,
I pour the stuff to start sons and daughters fit for These
States—I press with slow rude muscle,
I brace myself effectually—I listen to no entreaties,