Poems (Emerson, 1847)/Sursum Corda

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For other versions of this work, see Sursum Corda (Emerson).

SURSUM CORDA.

 

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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.