L. of G.’s Purport + 

Not to exclude or demarcate, or pick out evils from their formidable masses (even to expose them,) + 

But add, fuse, complete, extend⁠—and celebrate the immortal and the good. + 

Haughty this song, its words and scope, + 

To span vast realms of space and time, + 

Evolution⁠—the cumulative⁠—growths and generations. + 

Begun in ripen’d youth and steadily pursued, + 

Wandering, peering, dallying with all⁠—war, peace, day and night absorbing, + 

Never even for one brief hour abandoning my task, + 

I end it here in sickness, poverty, and old age. + 

I sing of life, yet mind me well of death: + 

To-day shadowy Death dogs my steps, my seated shape, and has for years⁠— + 

Draws sometimes close to me, as face to face. + 