PUBLICATION INFORMATION
LEAVES OF GRASS: FIRST EDITION (1855)
[Preface], p. 7: Whitman told an admirer in 1870
that the preface had been “written hastily” before publication, and
that “I do not consider it of permanent value.” He never included
it in another edition of Leaves of Grass after 1855, though
he revised and edited it for inclusion in Specimen Days and
Collect (1882), Complete Poems and Prose (1888), and
Complete Prose Works (1892). Passages from the preface have
found their way into several poems, including “By Blue Ontario’s
Shore” and “Song of the Answerer.”
[Song of Myself], p. 29: In the 1855
edition each of the first six poems shared the title of the book:
“Leaves of Grass.” In 1856 this poem was titled “Poem of Walt
Whitman, an American”; in editions from 1860 to 1871 it was simply
“Walt Whitman.” “Song of Myself” was first used as a title in 1881.
Through the years, Whitman’s major poetic statement was steadily
revised and edited, with stanza numbers added in 1860 and section
numbers in the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass.
[A Song for Occupations], p. 91: This
poem was headed “Leaves of Grass” in 1855. In 1856 the title became
“Poem of the Daily Work of the Workmen and Workwomen of These
States”; in 1860, “Chants Democratic. 3”; in 1867, ”To Workingmen“;
in 1871 and 1876, ”Carol of Occupations.“ It received the current
title in 1881. Whitman added stanza numbers in 1860 and section
numbers in 1867.
[To Think of Time], p. 102: Given the
header “Leaves of Grass” in the First Edition, this poem became
“Burial Poem” in 1856 and “Burial” in 1860. “To Think of Time” was
adopted as the title in 1871.
[The Sleepers], p. 109: This poem, titled
“Leaves of Grass” in 1855, became “26—Night Poem” in 1856,
“Sleep-Chasings” in 1860, and “The Sleepers” in 1871. Stanza
numbers were added in 1860; section numbers were included in 1867.
The poem is often read as the “dark twin” of “[Song of Myself],”
since its action takes place at night (versus the first poem’s
brilliantly illuminated daytime scenes), and its subject is an
exploration of the deep levels of common psychic territory rather
than the American landscape of “[Song of Myself].”
[I Sing the Body Electric], p. 119: This
poem was titled “Leaves of Grass” in 1855, “7—Poem of the Body” in
1856, “Enfans d‘Adam. 3” in 1860, and ”I Sing the Body Electric“ in
1867. Stanza numbers were added in 1860, and section numbers in
1867. See p. 254 for Whitman’s final ”Death-bed“ Edition version of
this poem, which includes a remarkable, sweeping listing of human
body parts (added in 1856).
[Faces], p. 126: Titled “Leaves of Grass”
in 1855, this poem became “27—Poem of Faces” in 1856, “Leaf of
Faces” in 1860, “A Leaf of Faces” in 1867, and “Faces” in 1867.
Stanza numbers were added in 1860; section numbers were added in
1867.
[Song of the Answerer], p. 130: Untitled
in the 1855 edition, in 1856 lines 3—52 became “14—Poem of the
Poet,” and lines 54-66 and 69-83 became “19—Poem of the Singers and
of the Words of Poems.” In 1860 lines 3—52 became “Leaves of
Grass,” and lines 54—66 and 69—83 became “Leaves of Grass. 6.” In
1867 lines 1—52 were titled “Now List to My Morning’s Romanza,” and
lines 53-66 and 69—85 were titled “The Indications.” In 1871 lines
1—52 became “Now List to My Morning’s Romanza,” and lines 53-83
became “The Indications.” In 1881 lines 1—83 became “Song of the
Answerer.”
[Europe, The 72d and 73d Years of These
States], p. 133: This is the only poem published before 1855
that appeared in an edition of Leaves of Grass. It appeared
as “Resurgemus” in the New York Tribune of June 21, 1850;
significant modifications of the poem’s rhythms and symbolism were
made between the more conventional early poem and this one. In 1855
it became the untitled eighth of the twelve First Edition poems; in
1856 it was known as “16—Poem of the Dead Young Men of Europe, The
72d and 73d Years of These States”; in 1860, “Europe, The 72d and
73d Years of These States.”
[A Boston Ballad], p. 135: Untitled in
1855, this poem became “22—Poem of Apparitions in Boston, the 78th
Year of These States” in 1856; “A Boston Ballad / The 78th Year of
These States” in 1860; “To Get Betimes in Boston Town” in 1867; and
“A Boston Ballad (1854)” in 1871. A protest against the
authorities’ handling of the 1854 Anthony Burns case (see endnote
44 to the First Edition), the poem is one of two (along with
“[Europe]”; see just above) Leaves of Grass poems that are
known to have been completed before 1855.
[There Was a Child Went Forth], p. 138:
Untitled in 1855, this poem became “25—Poem of the Child That Went
Forth, and Always Goes Forth, Forever and Forever” in 1856. In 1860
it was “Leaves of Grass. 9;” in 1867, “Leaves of Grass. 1.” It
gained its current title in 1871. Several significant revisions
were made to the poem over time, such as the exclusion of the last
line after 1856; see “There Was a Child Went Forth” in the
“Death-bed” Edition (p. 509).
[Who Learns My Lesson Complete], p. 140:
Untitled in 1855, the poem became “29—Lesson Poem” in 1856,
“Leaves of Grass. 11” in 1860, ”Leaves of Grass. 3” in 1867,
and “Who Learns My Lesson Complete?” in 1871. This poem was heavily
revised over time, with all of Whitman’s personal details (birth
date, height, age) eventually dropped; see “Who Learns My Lesson
Complete?” in the “Death-bed” Edition (p. 535).
[Great Are the Myths], p. 142: In 1855
this poem was untitled. In 1856 it became “6—Poem of a Few
Greatnesses”; in 1860, “Leaves of Grass. 2”; from 1867 to 1871,
“Great Are the Myths.” Whitman chose to exclude this poem from
Leaves of Grass after 1881, except for lines 9—12, which
became “Youth, Day, Old Age, and Night.” Stanzas were added in
1860, section numbers in 1871. For revisions, compare with “Great
Are the Myths” on p. 744 of the “Additional Poems” section of this
edition.
LEAVES OF GRASS: “DEATH-BED” EDITION (1891-1892)
Come, said my Soul, p. 147: This poem,
signed in the poet’s hand, was the epigraph for Leaves of
Grass (1876), Leaves of Grass (1882), Complete Poems
and Prose (1888), and the “Death-bed” Edition of Leaves of
Grass (1891-1892). It first appeared in the New York Daily
Graphic of December 1874.
Inscriptions, p. 165: Whitman first used
this cluster title in the 1871 Leaves of Grass for a group
of nine poems. The present twenty-four poems were first assembled
under this title in 1881.
One‘s-Self II Sing, p. 165: A
shortened and simplified version of the poem on the frontispiece of
the 1867 edition (included here as “Small the Theme of My Chant”;
see p. 651), “One’-Self I Sing” gained its title and current form
in 1871.
As I Ponder’d in Silence, p. 165: First
included, and in its final form, in the 1871 Leaves of
Grass. Note Whitman’s use of italics to indicate a speaking
voice, which he had already experimented with in 1860’S “A Word Out
of the Sea” (now known as “Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking”;
see p. 400).
iIn Cabin’d Ships at Sea, p. 66: First
included, and in its final form, in the “Inscriptions” cluster, in
the 1871 edition of Leaves of Grass.
To Foreign Lands, p. 167: First appeared
in the “Messenger Leaves” cluster of the 1860 edition; in its final
form in 1871.
To a Historian, p. 167: In its first form
as “Chants Democratic. 10” in the 1860 edition, the poem gained its
current title and form in the ”Songs before Parting“ annex of
1867.
To Thee Old Cause, p. 168: First appeared
in 1871; in its final form in 1881.
Eidólons, p. 168: First published in the
New York Tribune of February 19, 1876, the poem was included
in Two Rivulets (1876) and moved to the “Inscriptions”
cluster in the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
For Him I Sing, p. 171: First included,
and in its final form, as part of the “Inscriptions” cluster, which
was new to the 1871 edition of Leaves of Grass.
When I Read the Book, p. 172: First
included in a shorter version in 1867; in its final form in
1871.
Beginning My Studies, p. 172: First
included in Drum-Taps (1865); in its final form in
1871.
Beginners, p. 172: First included in
1860, the poem gained minor revisions in the 1867 and 1871 editions
of Leaves of Grass.
To the States, p. 173: First included in
1860 as “Walt Whitman’s Caution,” “To the States” took its current
title in 1881.
On Journeys Through the States, p. 173:
Known as “Chants Democratic. 17” in 1860, the poem was left out of
the 1867 edition but restored as ”On Journeys Through the States“
in 1871.
To a Certain Cantatrice, p. 173: “To a
Cantatrice” in the 1860 edition, the poem gained its current title
in 1867, and finally was included in the “Inscriptions” cluster in
1881.
Me Imperturbe, p. 174: First included as
“Chants Democratic. 18” in the 1860 edition of Leaves of
Grass, the poem gained its final title and form in 1881.
Savantism, p. 174: First included, and in its
final form, in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass.
The Ship Starting, p. 175: First
appearing in Drum-Taps (1865), “The Ship Starting” was
included in the “Inscriptions” cluster of 1881.
I Hear America Singing, p. 175: “Chants
Democratic. 20” in 1860, ”I Hear America Singing“ gained its title
in 1867.
What Place Is Besieged?, p. 176: First
included as part of “Calamus. 31” in 1860, the poem gained its
current title and form in 1867.
Still Though the One I Sing, p. 176:
First included, and in its final form, in the “Songs of
Insurrection” cluster of Leaves of Grass (1871).
Shut Not Your Doors, p. 176: First
written for Drum-Taps in 1865, this poem was in its final
form in 1871.
Poets to Come, p. 176: The original,
longer version of this poem was known as “Chants Democratic. 14” in
the 1860 edition. The poem gained its current title and form in
1867.
To You, p. 177: First included, and in
its final form, as the last poem in the “Messenger Leaves” cluster
of 1860.
Thou Reader, p. 177: The concluding poem
of the “Inscriptions” section was included, and in its final form,
in 1881.
Starting from Paumanok, p. 177: First
included in 1860 as “Proto-Leaf,” this poem became “Starting from
Paumonok” in 1871 and achieved its final form in 1881. The poem has
always had an important placement in Leaves of Grass: It was
first in 1860 (as its title suggests) and the first poem following
the “Inscriptions” cluster beginning in 1871.
Song of Myself, p. 190: See notes to the
1855 version of “[Song of Myself],” above. “Song of Myself ”
appeared in its final form in 1881.
Children of Adam, p. 252: This cluster of
poems first appeared in the 1860 edition as “Enfans d‘Adam.” All
but one of the original fifteen poems (“In the New Garden, in all
the Parts”) appeared in the collection in the 1867 edition of
Leaves of Grass, and the title was then changed to “Children
of Adam.” In 1871 Whitman added “Out of the Rolling Ocean the
Crowd” and “I Heard You Solemn-Sweet Pipes of the Organ,” making up
the sixteen poems that have since comprised the group.
To the Garden the World, p. 252: Known as
“Enfans d‘Adam. 1” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in
1867 and remained unrevised through successive editions. It has
also maintained its position as first poem in the ”Children of
Adam“ grouping, probably because of its image of the poet
”ascending“ as Adam.
From Pent-up Aching Rivers, p. 252:
“Enfans d‘Adam. 2” in 1860, this celebration of heterosexual
passion gained its current title in 1867, and minor revisions
through the 1871 edition.
I Sing the Body Electric, p. 254: This
was the fifth poem in the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass.
In 1856 it became “Poem of the Body”; in 1860, “Enfans d‘Adam. 3”;
and in 1867 it received its current title and section numbers.
Minor revisions were made to the poem in the 1871 and 1881 editions
of Leaves of Grass.
A Woman Waits for Me, p. 263: “Poem of
Procreation” in the 1856 edition, this became “Enfans d‘Adam. 6” in
1860 and received its current title in 1867. Minor changes were
made through the 1871 edition.
Spontaneous Me, p. 264: Originally titled
“Bunch Poem” in 1856, this poem became “Enfans d‘Adam. 5” in 1860
and received its present title and form in 1867. Both the first and
final titles allude to the poem’s subject: masturbation.
One Hour to Madness and Joy, p. 267:
Originally “Enfans d‘Adam. 6” in 1860, this poem received its
present title in the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass. The
current form of the text was achieved in 1881.
Out of the Rolling Ocean the Crowd, p.
268: This poem originally appeared in Drum-Taps (1865) and
was moved to the “Children of Adam” cluster in Leaves of Grass
(1871).
Ages and Ages Returning at Intervals, p.
268: “Enfans d‘Adam. 12” in 1860, this poem gained its present
title (and capitalized ”Sex“ for the first time) in 1867.
We Two, How Long We Were Fool‘d, p. 269:
Known as “Enfans d’Adam. 7” in 1860, this poem received its current
title in 1867. Minor revisions (mostly punctuation changes) were
made through the 1881 edition.
O Hymen! O Hymenee!, p. 269: “Enfans
d‘Adam. 13” in 1860, this poem received its current title in
1867.
I Am He That Aches with Love, p. 270:
Originally “Enfans d‘Adam. 14” in 1860, the poem’s title was
permanently changed in 1867.
Native Moments, p. 270: “Enfans d‘Adam.
8” in 1860, this poem received its current title in 1867.
Once I Pass’d Through a Populous City, p.
270: Originally “Enfans d‘Adam. 9” in 1860, this poem gained its
present title in 1867.
I Heard You Solemn-Sweet Pipes of the
Organ, p. 271: First published in the New York Leader of
October 12, 1861, as “Little Bells Last Night,” the poem was
included in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866) and moved
to the “Children of Adam” cluster in Leaves of Grass
(1871).
Facing West from California’s Shores, p.
271: “Enfans d‘Adam. 10” in 1860, this poem gained its current
title in 1867. Minor revisions (mostly changes in punctuation) were
made between these editions.
As Adam Early in the Morning, p. 272:
“Enfans d‘Adam. 15” in 1860, this poem was permanently renamed in
1867. It has always been the final poem of the ”Children of Adam“
cluster; along with the first poem (”To the Garden the World“), it
frames the collection with Edenic scenes.
Calamus, p. 274: The manuscript source
for this cluster is a series of twelve poems now known as the “Live
Oak with Moss” cluster, narrating an unhappy love affair that may
have had special significance for Whitman. Assembled as a cluster
of forty-five poems in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass,
“Calamus” was reduced to forty-two poems in 1867 (excluded were
“Calamus” 8, 9, and 16—“Long I Thought That Knowledge Would
Suffice,” “Hours Continuing Long,” and “Who Is Now Reading This?”).
In 1871 Whitman added “The Base of All Metaphysics” to the cluster
and removed four others to Passage to India, making a final
total of thirty-nine “Calamus” poems.
In Paths Untrodden, p. 274: “Calamus. 1”
in 1860, this poem took its current title in 1867.
Scented Herbage of My Breast, p. 274:
“Calamus. 2” in 1860, this poem gained its present title in
1867.
Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand,
p. 276: “Calamus. 3” in 1860, this poem took its current title in
1867.
For You O Democracy, p. 278: The lines of
this poem are taken from “Calamus. 5” of the 1860 edition.
”Calamus. 5” (titled “States!” when it was reprinted in 1901) did
not appear in another edition of Leaves of Grass during
Whitman’s lifetime (see “Poems Excluded from the ‘Death-bed’
Edition,” below). Whitman used the poetic text to form two poems:
“Over the Carnage Rose Prophetic a Voice,” which appeared in
Drum-Taps, and “A Song” of 1867, which became “For You O
Democracy” in 1881.
These I Singing in Spring, p. 278:
“Calamus. 4” in 1860, this poem gained its present title and form
in 1867.
Not Heaving from My Ribb’d Breast Only,
p. 280: “Calamus. 6” in 1860, the poem was given its current title
in 1867.
Of the Terrible Doubt of Appearances, p.
280: “Calamus. 7” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in
1867.
The Base of All Metaphysics, p. 281: Not
part of the original 1860 “Calamus” cluster, this new poem was
added to the collection in 1871.
Recorders Ages Hence, p. 282: Originally
“Calamus. 10” in 1860, the poem gained its present title in
1867.
When I Heard at the Close of the Day, p.
283: “Calamus. 11” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in
1867.
Are You the New Person Drawn toward Me?,
p. 283: “Calamus. 12” in 1860, this poem was given its present
title in 1867.
Roots and Leaves Themselves Alone, p.
284: “Calamus. 13” in 1860, this poem was given its final title in
1867.
Not Heat Flames Up and Consumes, p.:284:
“Calamus. 14” in 1860, this poem gained its present title and form
in 1867.
Trickle Drops,p. 285: “Calamus. 15” in
1860, this poem was given its final title and form in 1867.
City of Orgies, p. 285: “Calamus. 18” in
186o, this poem gained its present title in 1867.
Behold This Swarthy Face, p. 286:
“Calamus. 19” in 1860, this poem gained its present title in 1867,
when it also lost its first two lines (”Mind you the timid models
of the rest, the majority? / Long I minded them, but hence I will
not—for I have adopted models for myself, and now offer them to
you“).
I Saw in Louisiana a Live-Oak Growing, p.
286: “Calamus. 20” in 1860, this poem gained its current title and
form in 1867.
To a Stranger, p. 287: “Calamus. 22” in
1860, this poem received its final title in 1867.
This Moment Yearning and Thoughtful, p.
287: “Calamus. 23” in 1860, the poem gained its final title and
form in 1867.
I Hear It Was Charged Against Me, p. 288:
“Calamus. 24” in 1860, the poem received its final title in
1867.
The Prairie-Grass Dividing, p. 288:
“Calamus. 25” in 1860, this poem received its current title in
1867.
When I Peruse the Conquer’d Fame, p. 289:
“Calamus. 28” in 1860, this poem received its final title in
1867.
We Two Boys Together Clinging, p. 289:
“Calamus. 26” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in 1867,
when it also lost one descriptive line (between current lines 7 and
8).
A Promise to California, p. 289:
“Calamus. 30” in 1860, the poem gained its present title in
1867.
Here the Frailest Leaves of Me, p. 290:
“Calamus. 44” in 1860, the poem gained its present title in
1867.
No Labor-saving Machine, p. 290:
“Calamus. 33” in 1860, the poem gained its current title in 1867.
It received minor revisions through 1881.
A Glimpse, p. 290: “Calamus. 29” in 1860,
the poem received its final title in 1867.
A Leaf for Hand in Hand, p. 291:
“Calamus. 37” in 1860, the poem was permanently retitled in
1867.
Earth, My Likeness, p. 291: “Calamus. 36”
in 1860, the poem was titled ”Earth! My Likeness!” in 1867, and its
punctuation was finalized in 1871.
I Dream’d in a Dream, p. 291: “Calamus.
34” in 1860, this poem became ”I Dreamed in a Dream“ in 1867, with
the current wording taking shape in 1871.
What Think You I Take My Pen in Hand?, p.
292: “Calamus. 32” in 1860, the poem gained its present title in
1867.
To the East and to the West, p. 292:
“Calamus. 35” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in
1867.
Sometimes with One I Love, p. 292:
“Calamus. 39” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in
1867.
To a Western Boy, p. 293: “Calamus. 42”
in 1860, the poem gained its current title in 1867.
Fast-anchor’d Eternal O Love!, p. 293:
“Calamus. 38” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in 1867.
The first line of the 1860 version read: ”Primeval my love for the
woman I love.”
Among the Multitude, p. 293: “Calamus.
41” in 1860, this poem gained its current title in 1867.
O You Whom I Often and Silently Come, p.
293: “Calamus. 43” in 1860, this poem gained its present title in
1867.
That Shadow My Likeness, p. 294:
“Calamus. 40” in 1860, the poem gained its current title in 1867,
and received minor revisions until 1881.
Full of Life Now, p. 294: “Calamus. 45”
in 1860, the poem gained its final title in 1867 and its last
revisions for the 1871 edition.
Salut au Monde!, p. 294: Originally
titled “Poem of Salutation,” this poem was first published in
Leaves of Grass (1856). It gained its current title, as well
as its stanza numbers, in 1860, with section numbers following in
1867. Minor revisions were made until the text achieved its current
form in 1881.
Song of the Open Road, p. 305: “Poem of
the Road” in 1856 and 1860, the poem received its current title in
the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass. The poem was given very
minor revision, with only one new line added to the final text in
1881 (line 6).
Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, p. 316:
Originally “Sun-down Poem” in 1856, the poem received its current
title in 1860. Stanza numbers were added in 1860, section numbers
in 1871. Several lines were changed or dropped, including
(originally after line 21): “I project myself, also I return—I am
with you, and know how it is.” The poem achieved its final form in
1881.
Song of the Answerer, p. 322: This poem
underwent many revisions from its beginnings as the seventh poem
(“A Young Man Came to Me ...”) in the 1855 edition of Leaves of
Grass. In 1856 the poem was split into two parts, as “14—Poem
of the Poet” and “19—Poem of the Singers, and of the Words of
Poems”: In 1860 these poems became “Leaves of Grass. 3” and “Leaves
of Grass. 6,” respectively. These poems were retitled “Now List to
My Morning’s Romanza” and “The Indications” in the 1867 edition,
and included as the first and second poems in the new cluster “The
Answerer” in 1871. In 1881 the poem was assembled out of the two
sections and titled “The Answerer.” It received a new section and
its present title in 1881.
Our Old Feuillage, p. 327: “Chants
Democratic. 4” in 1860, this poem became ”American Feuillage“ in
1867. It took its present title and form in 1881.
A Song of Joys, p. 332: First appearing
in 186o as “Poem of Joys,” the poem became “Poems of Joy” in 1867.
Two more title switches and many revisions later, “A Song of Joys”
appeared in its present form in 1881.
Song of the Broad-Axe, p. 339: First
appearing as “Broad-Axe Poem” in 1856 and “Chants Democratic. 2” in
1860, the poem took its final title in 1867, though its text was
much revised through 1881. Stanza numbers were added in 1856,
section numbers in 1867.
Song of the Exposition, p. 351: This poem
was written as a tribute to the Annual Exhibition of the American
Institute in 1871. It first appeared in several newspapers, and
then as a booklet entitled “After All Not to Create Only: Recited
by Walt Whitman on Invitation of Managers American Institute, on
Opening Their 40th Annual Exhibition, New York, Noon, September 7,
1871.” “After All, Not to Create Only” was annexed to the 1872
impression of Leaves of Grass; in 1876 it was published as
“Song of the Exposition” in “Centennial Songs,” a separately
published cluster annexed to Two Rivulets. An explanatory
preface explaining the “impulses” that led to the poem’s initial
“oral delivery” was dropped in 1881.
Song of the Redwood-Tree, p. 361: First
published in Harper’s Magazine in February 1874, the poem
was one of four in “Centennial Songs,” a separately published
cluster annexed to Two Rivulets (1876). It appeared in its
final form in the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
A Song for Occupations, p. 365:
Originally the second poem in the 1855 edition of Leaves of
Grass, “A Song for Occupations” underwent many revisions and
changes in title until it appeared in its final state in 1881. In
the 1856 edition of Leaves of Grass it was titled “Poem of
the Daily Work of the Workmen and Workwomen of These States”; in
1860, “Chants Democratic. 3”; in 1867, ”To Workingmen“; and ”Carol
of Occupations” in 1871 and 1876. Comparisons of this last revision
with the first reveal some of the major changes in Whitman’s verse
over the course of his career, including diminished intimacy and
specific references, as well as regularized line lengths and
punctuation. Stanza numbers were added in 1860, and section numbers
in 1867.
A Song of the Rolling Earth, p. 373:
Originally “Poem of the Sayers of the Words of the Earth” in 1856,
this poem became “To the Sayers of Words” in 1860 and 1867, and
“Carol of Words” in 1871 and 1876. It gained its present title and
form in 1881, with stanza numbers added in 1860 and section numbers
in 1867.
Youth, Day, Old Age and Night, p. 379:
This poem is lines 19-22 of “[Great Are the Myths],” the last of
the twelve poems of the 1855 edition. When Whitman excluded “Great
Are the Myths” from the 1881 edition, he retained these four lines
as a separate work.
Birds of Passage, p. 380: This cluster of
seven poems first appeared in 1881, though the individual poems had
all appeared in earlier editions of Leaves of Grass.
Song of the Universal, p. 380: On June
17, 1874, this poem was included as part of commencement exercises
at Tufts College. In 1876 it became one of the four “Centennial
Songs,” a separately published cluster annexed to Two
Rivulets.
Pioneers! O Pioneers!, p. 382: First
appearing in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem also appeared in the
“Drum-Taps” annex of Leaves of Grass (1867). It was included
in a cluster entitled “Marches Now the War Is Over” in 1871 and
1876, and took its final form in 1881.
To You, p. 387: First appearing in the
1856 edition as “Poem of You, Whoever You Are,” this poem became
“To You Whoever You Are” in 1860, and “Leaves of Grass. 4” in 1867.
In 1871 it achieved its present title.
France, The 18th Year of
These States, p. 389: The poem first appeared in the 1860
edition of Leaves of Grass, under its current title.
Myself and Mine, p. 390: “Leaves of
Grass. 10” in 1860 and ”Leaves of Grass. 2” in 1867, the poem
gained its present title in 1871.
Year of Meteors (1859-60), p. 392: First
appearing in Drum-Taps (1865), this poem was moved to a
“Leaves of Grass” cluster in 1871 and finally included in the
“Birds of Passage” cluster in 1881.
With Antecedents, p. 393: First published
in the New York Saturday Press of January 14, 1860, as “You
and Me and To-Day,” this poem was included in the 1860 edition as
“Chants Democratic. 7.” It gained its present title in 1867.
A Broadway Pageant, p. 395: First
published in the New York Times of June 27, 1860, as “The
Errand-Bearers,” the poem was included in Drum-Taps (1865)
as “A Broadway Pageant (Reception Japanese Embassy, June 16,
1860)”; in 1870 it was retitled “Broadway Pageant. Reception
Japanese Embassy, June, 1860.” It gained its current title in 1871.
Stanza numbers were included in 1865, section numbers in
1871.
Sea-Drift, p. 400: This cluster of eleven
poems was new to the 1881 edition. It absorbed the “Sea-Shore
Memories” cluster of Passage to India (1871), plus two new
poems and two transferred poems.
Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking, p.
400: The poem was first published as “A Child’s Reminiscence” in
the New York Saturday Press on Christmas Eve 1859. For the
1860 edition of Leaves of Grass, Whitman heavily revised the
poem and retitled it “A Word Out the Sea.” The present title was
first seen in Passage to India (1871), and the poem took its
final form by 1881.
As I Ebb’d with the Ocean of Life, p.
406: In April 1860 this poem was published in the Atlantic
Monthly under the title “Bardic Symbols.” It became “Leaves of
Grass. 1” in 1860 and ”Elemental Drifts“ for the 1867 edition, and
gained its current title in 1881.
Tears, p. 409: Originally appearing as
“Leaves of Grass. 2” in 1867, the poem gained its current title in
Passage to India (1871).
To the Man-of-War-Bird, p. 410: The poem
was first published in the London Athenaeum on April 1,
1876. One of six poems that were intercalations in copies of the
1876 Leaves of Grass “Author’s Edition, with Portraits and
Intercalations” (along with “As in a Swoon,” “The Beauty of the
Ship,” “When the Full-grown Poet Came,” “After an Interval,” and
“From Far Dakota’s Canons”). It appeared in its final form in the
1881 edition.
Aboard at a Ship’s Helm, p. 411: “Leaves
of Grass. 3” in 1867, the poem received its current title in
Passage to India (1871). It was first included in Leaves
of Grass in 1881.
On the Beach at Night, p. 411: First
included under the current title in Passage to India (1871),
the poem became part of the “Sea-Drift” cluster in Leaves of
Grass of 1881.
The World below the Brine, p. 412:
“Leaves of Grass. 16” in 1860 and ”Leaves of Grass. 4” in 1867, the
poem first appeared under its present title in Passage to
India (1871). Whitman moved it to Leaves of Grass in
1881.
On the Beach at Night Alone, p. 413: In
1856 this poem appeared as a much longer version entitled “15—Clef
Poem.” More than twenty lines were omitted when it was shaped into
“Leaves of Grass. 12” in 1860, and it was further truncated when it
appeared as “Leaves of Grass. 1” in 1867. It assumed its present
title in Passage to India (1871) and was included again in
Leaves of Grass of 1881.
Song for All Seas, All Ships, p. 414: The
poem was first published in the New York Daily Graphic on
April 4, 1873. Along with “Song of the Redwood-Tree,” “Song of the
Universal,” and “Song of the Exposition,” it was published in
“Centennial Songs,” a separately published cluster annexed to
Two Rivulets (1876). It appeared in the “Sea-Drift” section
of Leaves of Grass in 1881.
Patroling Barnegat, p. 415: This poem was
first included in Leaves of Grass of 1881, though it
appeared previously in The American of June 1880.
After the Sea-Ship, p. 415: First
published in the New York Daily Graphic of December 1874 as
“In the Wake Following,” this poem gained its present title in
Two Rivulets (1876). In 1881 it became part of the
“Sea-Drift” series in Leaves of Grass.
By the Roadside, p. 417: Whitman devised
this title for a cluster of old and new poems in 1881. He wrote the
twenty-nine poems at various stages of his journey “down life’s
road” (hence, perhaps, the title); “A Boston Ballad” was among the
first poems Whitman published, while three others were written for
the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
A Boston Ballad (1854), p. 417: See note
to “[A Boston Ballad],” p.417.
Europe, The 72d and 73d Years of These
States, p. 419: See note to “[Europe, The 72d and 73d Years of
These States],” p. 419.
A Hand-Mirror, p. 421: This poem’s title
and format remained unchanged from its first appearance in the 1860
edition of Leaves of Grass.
Gods, p. 421: First published in Passage to
India (1871), “Gods” also appeared in Leaves of Grass
(1876).
Germs, p. 422: Titled “Leaves of Grass.
19” in 1860 and ”Leaves of
Grass. 2” in 1867, the poem was titled “Germs”
in 1871.
Thoughts, p. 422: In the 1860 edition of
Leaves of Grass, Whitman published a series of seven poems
called “Thoughts.” This 1881 poem starts with the first line from
“Thoughts. 4” and the last four lines of “Thoughts. 2.” Other poems
with this title (including three more in “By the Roadside”) were
similarly pulled together—as fluidly and spontaneously, one might
say, as thoughts themselves.
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer, p.
423: First included in Drum-Taps (1865), this poem was part
of the “Songs of Parting” cluster in Leaves of Grass of 1871
and 1876. It became part of “By the Roadside” in 1881.
Perfections, p. 423: First appearing in
Leaves of Grass (1860), this poem was reprinted in all
subsequent editions without revisions.
O Me! O Life!, p. 423: This
question-answer poem was first included in Sequel to
Drum-Taps (1865-1866). It was included in Leaves of
Grass (1881) with very minor revisions.
To a President, p. 424: First printed in
the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass, the poem was originally
addressed to James Buchanan, Lincoln’s predecessor. The poem was
not included in Drum-Taps or Sequel to Drum-Taps
(collections inspired by Lincoln and the Civil War) but reappeared
in the 1867 and 1871 editions of Leaves of Grass.
I Sit and Look Out, p. 424: “Leaves of
Grass. 17” in 1860, ”Leaves of Grass. 5” in 1867, the poem gained
its present title in the 1871 edition of Leaves of
Grass.
To Rich Givers, p. 425: Appearing under
this title in 1860, the poem was included with minor revisions in
1867, 1871, and 1876, and achieved its final form in 1881.
The Dalliance of the Eagles, p. 425: New
to Leaves of Grass in 1881, this poem was published a year
earlier in the magazine Cope’s Tobacco Plant.
Roaming in Thought, p. 426: A new poem in
the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass, the poem remained
unrevised through Whitman’s lifetime.
A Farm Picture, p. 426: The poem first
appeared under the present title, but without the third line, in
Drum-Taps (1865). The final line was added for the 1871
edition of Leaves of Grass.
A Child’s Amaze, p. 426: The poem first
appeared with its present title in Drum-Taps (1865).
The Runner, p. 426: The poem first
appeared in Leaves of Grass in 1867 and was included in all
subsequent editions.
Beautiful Women, p. 427: Originally part
of the “Debris” cluster, a series of seventeen untitled poems
published in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass, the poem
was entitled “Picture” in 1867 and gained its current title in
1871.
Mother and Babe, p. 427: First published
under its current title in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem
remained ungrouped until it was included in “By the Roadside” in
1881.
Thought, p. 427: The seventh of the
“Thoughts” poem series of 1860, this poem gained its current
“singular” title in 1871.
Visor‘d, p. 427: Part of the “Debris”
cluster in 1860, these lines gained their present title in
1867.
Thought, p. 427: Originally part of
“Thoughts. 4” in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass, these
lines gained their current title in 1871.
Gliding o‘er All, p. 428: This poem
originally appeared untitled and italicized, on the title page of
Passage to India (1871). It gained its current title in the
1872 edition.
Hast Never Come to Thee an Hour, p. 428:
This poem first appeared in the 1881 edition of Leaves of
Grass.
Thought, p. 428: A single line of
“Thoughts. 4” in 1860, the poem received its current title in the
1871 edition of Leaves of Grass.
To Old Age, p. 428: First appearing under
this title in 1860, the poem was also published in 1867, 1871,
1872, and 1876 before being moved to the “By the Roadside” cluster
in 1881.
Locations and Times, p. 428: Originally
part of “Sun-down Poem” (the 1856 version of “Crossing Brooklyn
Ferry”), this poem became “Leaves of Grass. 23” in 1860 and ”Leaves
of Grass. 5” in 1867. It gained its current title in 1871.
Offerings, p. 429: Originally part of the
“Debris” cluster of the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass,
this poem was titled “Picture” in 1867 and received its present
title in 1871.
To the States, To Identify the
16th, 17th, or
18th Presidentiad, p. 429: This poem
was first published under its current title in 1860 and was placed
in all subsequent editions.
Drum-Taps, p. 430: This 1881 collection
of forty-three poems gathers thirty-eight of its works from either
Drum-Taps (1865) or Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866).
Only five of the poems were from other collections: “Virginia—The
West,” “Not the Pilot,” “Ethiopia Saluting the Colors,” “Delicate
Cluster,” and “Adieu to a Soldier.”
First O Songs for a Prelude, p. 430: This
poem was originally entitled “Drum Taps” in 1865, taking its first
line for its title in 1881. Four lines beginning “Aroused and
angry” were placed at the beginning of the poem in 1871 and 1876;
these lines were eventually moved to “The Wound-Dresser,” another
Drum-Taps poem.
Eighteen Sixty-One, p. 432: In Drum-Taps,
the poem was titled “1861.” It gained its present title in the 1881
edition of Leaves of Grass.
Beat! Beat! Drums!, p. 433: Under this
title, the poem was originally published in two periodicals
(Harper’s Weekly and the New York Leader) on
September 28, 1861. It was included in Drum-Taps
(1865).
From Paumanok Starting I Fly like a
Bird, p. 434: The poem has maintained this title since its
first appearance in Drum-Taps (1865).
Song of the Banner at Daybreak, P. 435:
The poem was published under this title in Drum-Taps
(1865).
Rise O Days from Your Fathomless Deeps,
p. 441: The poem’s title remains the same as in 1865. It became
part of the “Drum-Taps” annex in the 1867 edition of Leaves of
Grass, and the “Drum-Taps” clusters of 1871 and 1881.
Virginia—The West, p. 444: First
published in the Kansas Magazine of March 1872, the poem was
part of As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free, an 1872 collection
that was integrated into the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass
as “Thy Mother with Thy Equal Brood.” Whitman moved
“Virginia—The West” to “Drum-Taps” in this edition.
City of Ships, p. 444: First appearing in
Drum-Taps (1865), the poem was part of the “Drum-Taps” annex
in the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass, and the “Drum-Taps”
clusters of 1871 and 1881.
The Centenarian’s Story, p. 445: The
poem’s title and original form were preserved from 1865 through all
subsequent editions.
Cavalry Crossing a Ford, p. 449: The 1865
title remained unchanged in following editions.
Bivouac on a Mountain Side, p. 450: The
1865 title remained unchanged, and the poem was subject to minor
revisions through following editions.
An Army Corps on the March, p. 450:
Originally entitled “An Army on the March,” the poem was included
in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866). It received its present
title in the 1871 edition of Leaves of Grass.
By the Bivouac’s Fitful Flame, p. 451:
The title and poem are unchanged from their first appearance in
Drum-Taps (1865).
Come Up from the Fields Father, p. 451:
Title remained unchanged from its first appearance in 1865. The
poem remains one of the most anthologized in the Drum-Taps
series.
Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One
Night, p. 453: The title remained unchanged from its first
appearance in 1865; the poem received minor revisions in following
editions.
A March in the Ranks Hard-prest, and the Road
Unknown, p. 454: The poem’s title remained unchanged from its
first version in 1865-
A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and
Dim, p. 455: Entitled “A Sight in Camp in the Day-Break Grey
and Dim” when it first appeared in 1865, the poem had numbered
stanzas through the 1871 edition of Leaves of Grass.
As Toilsome I Wander’d Virginia’s Woods,
p. 456: The title and poem itself remain unchanged since their
first appearance in Drum-Taps (1865).
Not the Pilot, p. 457: Originally part of
the “Debris” cluster in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass,
it was given its current title in 1867 and put into the “Drum-Taps”
cluster in Leaves of Grass (1871).
Year That Trembled and Reel’d Beneath Me,
p. 457: The poem and title remain unchanged since their first
appearance in Drum-Taps (1865).
The Wound-Dresser, p. 457: Entitled “The
Dresser” in 1865, the poem received its current title in the 1876
“Centennial” Edition of Leaves of Grass.
Long, Too Long America, p. 460:
Originally entitled “Long, Too Long, O Land” in 1865, the poem
gained its current title in 1881.
Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun, p. 461:
The poem retains its 1865 title and form.
Dirge for Two Veterans, p. 462: First
appearing in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866), the poem was
subject to only minor revisions in punctuation through subsequent
editions.
Over the Carnage Rose Prophetic a Voice,
p. 464: This poem (along with “For You O Democracy,” a Calamus poem
from 1867 to 1881) has its roots in “Calamus. 5” from the 1860
edition of Leaves of Grass. It gained its current title when
it was revised and included in Drum-Taps (1865).
I Saw Old General at Bay, p. 465: The
poem preserves its original 1865 title; Whitman made only minor
revisions to punctuation through subsequent editions.
The Artilleryman’s Vision, p. 465:
Originally entitled “The Veteran’s Vision” in 1865, the poem gained
its current title in 1871. For the most part, Whitman made only
minor alterations to the poem’s punctuation through subsequent
editions.
Ethiopia Saluting the Colors, p. 466:
Originally subtitled “A Reminiscence of 1864,” this poem was first
published in the 1871 edition of Leaves of Grass. It was
placed in the “Drum-Taps” cluster in 1881.
Not Youth Pertains to Me, p. 467: The
poem retains its 1865 title, though in 1871 the last two lines were
revised from: “[Intervals] I have strung together a few songs, /
Fit for war, and the life of the camp.
Race of Veterans, p. 467: First included
in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866), the poem has kept its
original title and form, with minor revisions in punctuation.
World Take Good Notice, p. 468:
Originally “World, Take Good Notice,” this poem retains its 1865
title and content; only the number of line 3 was altered from
“thirty-six,” reflecting the addition of two states to the
union.
O Tan-faced Prairie-Boy, p. 468: The poem
retains its 1865 title and most of its original form, with minor
revisions to punctuation.
Look Down Fair Moon, p. 468: The poem
carries its 1865 title. Only minor revisions in punctuation were
made through subsequent editions.
Reconciliation, p. 468: Originally
included in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866), the poem
retains its original title and most of its original wording.
How Solemn as One by One, p. 469:
Originally included in Sequel to Drum-Taps
(1865-1866), the poem gained its subtitle in 1871.
As I Lay with My Head In Your Lap
Camerado, p. 469: First included in Sequel to Drum-Taps
(1865-1866), the poem gained one major revision in 1871: two lines
originally included after line 4 were omitted: “Indeed I am myself
the real soldier; / It is not he, there, with his bayonet, and not
the red-striped artillery- man”.
Delicate Cluster, p. 470: The poem as
titled first appeared in the 1871 edition of Leaves of Grass
and was placed in the “Drum-Taps” cluster of Leaves of Grass
(1881).
To a Certain Civilian, p. 470: Entitled
“Did You Ask Dulcet Rhymes from Me?” in 1865, the poem gained its
current title (and four additional lines to its original six) in
Passage to India (1871). In 1881 it was included in the
“Drum-Taps” cluster of Leaves of Grass.
Lo, Victress on the Peaks, p. 471:
Originally included in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866) as
“Lo! Victress on the Peaks!”, the poem gained its present, calmer
title in 1876.
Spirit Whose Work Is Done, p. 471:
Originally included in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866), the
poem gained its subtitle in 1871.
Adieu to a Soldier, p. 472: First
published in 1871, the poem was included in the “Drum-Taps” cluster
of Leaves of Grass (1881).
Turn O Libertad, p. 473: Originally
included under its present title in Drum-Taps (1865), the
poem was subject to minor revisions through subsequent
editions.
To the Leaven’d Soil They Trod, p. 473:
The final poem in the “Drum-Taps” cluster since its first
appearance in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866).
Memories of President Lincoln, p. 475:
While the previous cluster, “Drum-Taps,” focuses on the theme of
the Civil War, the four poems comprising the cluster “Memories of
President Lincoln” all make explicit mention of Whitman’s hero,
Abraham Lincoln. These poems here were first grouped as “President
Lincoln’s Burial Hymn” in Passage to India (1871) and became
known as “Memories of President Lincoln” in 1881.
When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom‘d,
p. 475: This great elegy to Lincoln was first included in Sequel
to Drum-Taps (1865-1866). Minor changes in punctuation and word
choice were made in subsequent editions, with the exception of one
particular revision near the end of the poem (see endnote 70 to the
“Death-bed” Edition). Some minor revisions were made to the poem
for the 1871 and 1881 publications.
O Captain! My Captain!, p. 484: Published
in the New York Saturday Press on November 4, 1865, the poem
appeared in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866) and Passage
to India (1871) and the annex of the same title in 1876.
Hush’d Be the Camps To-Day, p. 485: When
the poem was first published in Drum-Taps (1865), the
subtitle read: “A. L. Buried April 19, 1865.” He corrected the
erroneous date in the 1871 edition of Passage to
India.
This Dust Was Once the Man, p. 485: First
published in Passage to India (1871), this poem was not
revised in its 1871, 1876, and 1881 publications.
By Blue Ontario’s Shore, p. 485: In
Leaves of Grass (1856) this poem was “8—Poem of Many in
One.” For the 1860 edition Whitman changed the title to “Chants
Democratic. 1”; it appeared in the 1867 annex “Songs before
Parting” as “As I Sat Alone by Blue Ontario’s Shore” and gained its
present title in 1881. Stanza numbers were added in 1860, section
numbers in 1867. The form of the poem was much revised through
these editions, and a good portion of its original 280 lines was
taken from (or inspired by) the 1855 “[Preface].”
Reversals, p. 501: These six lines have their
origin in a fifty-seven-line poem entitled “Poem of the Proposition
of Nakedness” first published in 1856. In 1860 the poem became
“Chants Democratic. 5”; in 1867, 1871, and 1876 it was retitled
“Respondez.” The poem took its final form and title in 1881.
Autumn Rivulets, p. 502: This cluster was
new to the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass, though most of
the poems were previously published in earlier editions or
periodicals.
As Consequent, Etc., p. 502: This
introductory poem is one of the few in “Autumn Rivulets” that is
new to the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass (though some
lines were taken from the 1876 poems “Two Rivulets” and “Or from
That Sea of Time”).
The Return of the Heroes, p. 503: First
published in The Galaxy in September 1867 as “A Carol of
Harvest for 1867,” the poem found its way into Passage to
India (1871) and Two Rivulets (1876). Stanza and section
numbers were added in 1871, and the present title was first used in
1881.
There Was a Child Went Forth, p. 509: See
note to “There Was a Child Went Forth,” p. 138.
Old Ireland, p. 511: The poem was first
published in the New York Leader of November 2, 1861; in its
final forum, it was placed in Drum-Taps in 1865.
The City Dead-House, p. 511: Published
under this title in the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass, the
poem was subject to very minor revisions through 1881.
This Compost, p. 512: In 1856 this poem
was known as “9—Poem of Wonder at The Resurrection of The Wheat.”
The title was changed to “Leaves of Grass—4” in 1860, ”This
Compost!“ in 1867, and its present title in 1871. Minor revisions
(mostly changes in punctuation) were made to it until its 1881
publication.
To a Foil’d European Revolutionaire, p.
514: First published in Leaves of Grass (1856) as “Liberty Poem for
Asia, Africa, Europe, America, Australia, Cuba, and the
Archipelagoes of the Sea,” the poem became “To a Foiled Revolter or
Revoltress” in 1860 and 1867, and received its current title in
1871. Stanza numbers were added in 1860, section numbers in 1871.
The poem was subject to revision, and several lines were removed
between 1856 and 1860.
Unnamed Lands, p. 516: The poem was
published in the 1860 edition under its present title and was
subject to minor revisions after 1871. It achieved its final form
in 1881.
Song of Prudence, p. 517: Entitled “Poem
of the Last Explanation of Prudence” in 1856, the poem became
“Leaves of Grass. 5” in 1860 and ”Manhattan’s Streets I Saunter’d
Pondering“ in 1865. It gained its present title in 1881. Many of
its lines were taken from Whitman’s 1855 ”[Preface].“
The Singer in the Prison, p. 520: First
published in the Saturday Evening Visitor on December 25,
1869, the poem was included in the 1871 edition of Passage to
India and gained its final revisions for the 1881 edition of
Leaves of Grass.
Warble for Lilac-Time, p. 522: First
published in The Galaxy in May 1870, the poem appeared in
Passage to India (1871) as “Warble for Lilac Time” and lost
several lines before achieving its final form in 1881.
Outlines for a Tomb, p. 523: First
published in The Galaxy in January 1870 under the title
“Brother of All, with Generous Hand,” this poem was written for
millionaire philanthropist George Peabody (1795-1869). Whitman
included it in Passage to India (1871); he gave it the title
“Outlines for a Tomb” and shortened it by several lines for the
1881 edition.
Out from Behind This Mask, p. 525: After
first appearing in the New York Tribune in 1876, the poem
was published in the “Centennial” Edition of Leaves of Grass
(1876) as well as Two Rivulets, a companion volume to
Leaves of Grass also published that year. Included in
Leaves of Grass (1876) was a portrait engraving of Whitman
by W. J. Linton (based on an 1871 photo of the poet taken by G. C.
Potter). This portrait was not included in the 1881 edition of
Leaves of Grass.
Vocalism, p. 526: The 1881 poem is a
conflation of two earlier works. “Chants Democratic. 12” of 1860
contributed the first stanza; ”Leaves of Grass. 21” of 1860 is the
source of the second. Both stanzas lost lines in the fusion of
1881.
To Him That Was Crucified, p. 528: First
published in the “Messenger Leaves” cluster of the 1860 edition,
the poem retained its original title and most of its form through
republications.
You Felons on Trial in Courts, p. 528:
“Leaves of Grass. 13” in 1860, the poem was reduced by several
lines and received its present title in 1867.
Laws for Creations, p. 529: “Chants
Democratic. 13” in 1860 and ”Leaves of Grass. 3” in 1867, the poem
gained its present title in 1871. After 1860 the poem was shortened
by several lines.
To a Common Prostitute, p. 530: The poem
appeared under this title as one of the “Messenger Leaves” in the
1860 edition of Leaves of Grass. It was not revised for
future publications.
I Was Looking a Long While, p. 530:
“Chants Democratic. 19” in 1860, the poem received its current
title in 1867 and underwent only minor revisions.
Thought, p. 531: “Thoughts. 3” in the
1860 edition, the poem became ”Thought“ in 1871.
Miracles, p. 531: “Poem of Perfect Miracles” in
1856 and “Leaves of Grass. 8” in 1860, the poem took its present
title in 1867. Revisions included shortening the poem by eleven
lines for the 1881 edition.
Sparkles from the Wheel, p. 532: The poem
possessed this title and text when it was first published in
Passage to India (1871).
To a Pupil, p. 533: The poem had this
title and text upon its first appearance in the “Messenger Leaves”
cluster of Leaves of Grass (1860).
Unfolded Out of the Folds, p. 533: First
published in Leaves of Grass (1856) as “Poem of Women,” the
poem received its present title and final revisions for Leaves
of Grass (1871).
What Am I After All, p. 534: “Leaves of
Grass. 22” in 1860 and ”Leaves of Grass. 4” in the 1867 annex
“Songs before Parting,” the poem gained its present title in
Passage to India (1871).
Kosmos, p. 534: Published in Leaves of
Grass (186o) under its current title, the poem was subject to
minor revisions for its 1867 republication.
Others May Praise What They Like, p. 535:
Published under this title in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem
underwent minor revisions before achieving its final form in
1881.
Who Learns My Lesson Complete?, p. 535:
The eleventh of the twelve original poems in the 1855 edition, the
poem became “20—Lesson Poem” in 1856, “Leaves of Grass. 11” in
1860, and ”Leaves of Grass. 3” in 1867, and it achieved its current
title in Passage to India (1871). It was heavily revised,
especially between the 1855 and 1860 editions.
Tests, p. 537: Published in this form and
with this title in Leaves of Grass (1860).
The Torch, p. 537: First published under
this title in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem was subject to very
minor revision before achieving its final form in 1871.
O Star of France (1870-71), p. 537: First
published in The Galaxy in June 1871, the poem was included
in As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free and Other Poems (1872),
reprinted in Two Rivulets (1876), and revised in Leaves
of Grass (1881).
The Ox-tamer, p. 539: Published in the
New York Daily Graphic in December 1874, the poem appeared
under its current title in Two Rivulets (1876) and achieved
its final form for Leaves of Grass (1881).
An Old Man’s Thought of School. For the
Inauguration of a Public School, Camden, New Jersey, 1874, p.
540: Published in the New York Daily Graphic of November
1874, the poem was included in Two Rivulets (1876) and
revised for inclusion in Leaves of Grass (1881).
Wandering at Morn, p. 540: Published in
the New York Daily Graphic in March 1873 as “The Singing
Thrush,” the poem was published in Two Rivulets (1876) and
under its present title in Leaves of Grass (1881).
Italian Music in Dakota, p. 541: This
poem was new to the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
With All Thy Gifts, p. 542: Published in
the New York Daily Graphic of March 1873 under this title,
and reprinted in Two Rivulets (1876) and Leaves of
Grass (1881).
My Picture-Gallery, p. 542: This poem has
its beginnings in a pre-1855 notebook entitled “Pictures.” First
published in The American on October 30, 1880, the poem was
published in Leaves of Grass (1881).
The Prairie States, p. 542: The poem was
first published in Leaves of Grass (1881), though the
manuscript of the poem was printed in the Art Autograph of
May 1880.
Proud Music of the Storm, p. 543: First
published in the Atlantic Monthly of February 1869, the poem
was included in Passage to India (1871) and Two
Rivulets (1876) before becoming part of the “Autumn Rivulets”
cluster of Leaves of Grass (1881).
Passage to India, p. 549: First published
as the title piece to Passage to India (1871), the poem
appeared in Leaves of Grass 1871 and 1872 and in Two
Rivulets (1876) before its inclusion in “Autumn Rivulets” in
1881. The poem was lightly revised after 1871.
Prayer of Columbus, p. 558: First
published in Harper’s of March 1874, the poem was included
in Two Rivulets (1876) and underwent final revisions for its
publication in Leaves of Grass (1881).
The Sleepers, p. 560: See note to “The
Sleepers” (p. 109), above.
Transpositions, p. 570: This poem is
constructed of three lines taken from “Poem of the Propositions of
Nakedness” in the 1856 edition (lines 46, 44, and 22).
To Think of Time, p. 570: Originally the
third of the twelve untitled poems in the 1855 edition, this poem
was heavily revised before appearing in this version in 1881.
Entitled “Burial Poem” in 1856 and “Burial” in 1860 and 1867, it
achieved its current title in Passage to India (1871).
Stanza numbers were added in 1860, section numbers in 1867.
Whispers of Heavenly Death, p. 577:
Whitman first used this title for a cluster of fifteen poems in
Passage to India (1871); for the 1881 edition of Leaves
of Grass, he included five more poems to make up the current
eighteen.
Darest Thou Now O Soul, p. 577: Whitman
published a series of five poems in the Broadway Magazine of
October 1868, together entitled “Whispers of Heavenly Death.” In
order, the current titles of the poems as they appear in this
cluster are: “Whispers of Heavenly Death”; “Darest Thou Now O
Soul”; “A Noiseless Patient Spider”; “The Last Invocation”; and
“Pensive and Faltering.” “Whispers of Heavenly Death” was included
in Passage to India (1871) and achieved its final form in
the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
Whispers of Heavenly Death, p. 577: See note to
“Darest Thou Now O Soul,” above. The poem remained unchanged from
its inclusion in Passage to India (1871) to its 1881 incarnation
here.
Chanting the Square Deific, p. 578:
Originally written for Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866), this
poem was lightly revised before appearing in its final version in
1881.
Of Him I Love Day and Night, p. 580:
Originally “Calamus. 17,” the poem was retitled “Of Him I Love Day
and Night” for the 1867 edition, with minor revisions made to its
text between its 1860 and 1871 publications.
Yet, Yet, Ye Downcast Hours, p. 581: The
poem of three stanzas and with the current title first appeared in
the original “Whispers of Heavenly Death” cluster of Passage to
India (1871). The second and third stanzas have their root in
sections five and six of the 1860 poem “Debris.”
As if a Phantom Caress’d Me, p. 582: Like
“Yet, Yet, Ye Downcast Hours,” this poem has roots in the 1860 poem
“Debris” (the final section). “As if a Phantom Caress’d Me” took
its final title and form in 1867.
Assurances, p. 582: First appearing as
the sixteen-line “Faith Poem” in 1856, the poem was revised for the
1860 and 1867 editions before appearing in its final form in the
“Whispers of Heavenly Death” cluster in Passage to India
(1871).
Quicksand Years, p. 583: First published
in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem took its final title and form
in the “Whispers of Heavenly Death” cluster of Passage to
India (1871).
That Music Always Round Me, p. 583:
“Calamus. 21” in 1860, the poem took on its present form and title
in 1867, and appeared in the cluster ”Whispers of Heavenly Death“
in Passage to India (1871).
What Ship Puzzled at Sea, p. 584: The
first four lines of “Calamus. 31” in 1860, the poem was published
in 1867, 1871, and 1876, but assumed its present title only for the
1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
A Noiseless Patient Spider, p. 584: One
of the five poems published in the Broadway Magazine of
October 1868 (see above note to “Darest Thou Now O Soul,” p. 577),
the poem was included in Passage to India (1871) and
underwent its final revisions for the 1881 edition of Leaves of
Grass.
O Living Always, Always Dying, p. 584: “Calamus.
27” in 1860, the poem took its present title and form in
1867.
To One Shortly to Die, p. 585: Published
with the current title in Leaves of Grass (1860), the poem
achieved its final form in Passage to India (1871).
Night on the Prairies, p. 585: “Leaves of
Grass. 15” in 1860 and ”Leaves of Grass. 3” in 1867, the poem
achieved its current title and form in Passage to India
(1871).
Thought, p. 586: This poem was the fifth
in a series of poems entitled “Thoughts” in 1860 and 1867. It was
first included in the cluster “Whispers of Heavenly Death” in
1881.
The Last Invocation, p. 587: One of the
five poems published in the Broadway Magazine of October
1868 (see above note to “Darest Thou Now O Soul,” p. 577), the poem
was included in Passage to India (1871), Leaves of
Grass (1872), Two Rivulets (1876), and Leaves of
Grass (1881) without revisions.
As I Watch’d the Ploughman Ploughing, p.
587: Published with this title and in its final form in Passage
to India (1871).
Pensive and Faltering, p. 587: One of the
five poems published in the Broadway Magazine of October
1868 (see above note to “Darest Thou Now O Soul,” p. 577), the poem
was included in Passage to India (1871), Leaves of
Grass (1872), Two Rivulets (1876), and Leaves of
Grass (1881).
Thou Mother with Thy Equal Brood, p. 588:
This work has its beginnings as “As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free,”
a commencement poem Whitman delivered at Dartmouth College on June
26, 1872. He published this poem and six others the same year, in a
small volume of the same title; in 1876 the cluster “As a Strong
Bird on Pinions Free” was published as part of Two Rivulets.
The poem was revised, expanded, and given the title “Thou Mother
with Thy Equal Brood” in Leaves of Grass (1881).
A Paumanok Picture, p. 594: These seven
lines first became a poem for the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
From Leaves of Grass (1856) to Leaves of Grass
(1876), they served as the eighth canto of “Salut au Monde.”
From Noon to Starry Night, p. 595: This
cluster of twenty-two poems was new to the 1881 edition of
Leaves of Grass, as was the “Autumn Rivulets” cluster. Five
of the poems are new to Leaves of Grass, and the others are
taken from seven different editions, though a majority of them were
written in the 1870s.
Thou Orb Aloft Full-Dazzling, p. 595:
First published in The American on June 4, 1881, as “A
Summer Invocation,” the poem was published with its current title
in Leaves of Grass (1881).
Faces, p. 596: This poem was originally
the sixth of the twelve poems in Leaves of Grass (1855)‘
“Poem of Faces” in 1856, “A Leaf of Faces” in 1867, and finally
“Faces” in 1881, it achieved its final form for the 1881
edition.
The Mystic Trumpeter, p. 600: First
published in Kansas Magazine in February 1872, the poem was
one of seven poems in the 1872 annex “As a Strong Bird on Pinions
Free” (1872). It appeared in its final form in the 1881 edition of
Leaves of Grass.
To a Locomotive in Winter, p. 603: This
popular favorite was first published in the New York Daily
Tribune of February 19, 1876, then in Two Rivulets
(1876) and Leaves of Grass (1881) without revision.
O Magnet-South, p. 604: Published as
“Longings from Home” in Leaves of Grass (1860), the poem
received its final form and present title in Leaves of Grass
1881.
Mannahatta, p. 606: Included in the 1860,
1867, and 1871 editions of Leaves of Grass, this poem
appeared in 1881 with three final lines substituting for seven
original lines (see endnote 100 to the “Death- bed” Edition).
All Is Truth, p. 607: “Leaves of Grass.
18” in 1860 and ”Leaves of Grass. 1” in the “Songs before Parting”
annex to Leaves of Grass (1867), the poem achieved its
current title in 1871.
A Riddle Song, p. 608: A new poem for the
1881 edition, “A Riddle Song” was first published in Forney’s
Progress on April 17, 1880.
Excelsior, p. 609: “Poem of the Heart of
the Son of Manhattan Island” in 1856 and “Chants Democratic. 15” in
1860, the poem gained its present title in 1867. It was revised
until its publication in the 1881 edition of Leaves of
Grass.
Ah Poverties, Wincings, and Sulky
Retreats, p. 610: First appearing in Sequel to Drum-Taps
(1865-1866), the poem was republished with only one minor revision
through all later editions up to 1881.
Thoughts, p. 610: First titled “Thought”
in 1860 and 1867, the poem gained its current title in 1871.
Mediums, p. 611: “Chants Democratic. 16”
in 1860, this poem gained its present title in the 1867 edition and
also appeared in Passage to India in 1871 before inclusion
in the 1881 Leaves of Grass.
Weave in, My Hardy Life, p. 611: First
published in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem was only slightly
revised before achieving its final form in 1881.
Spain, 1873-74, p. 612: First appearing
in the New York Daily Graphic of March 24, 1873, the poem
was reprinted in Two Rivulets (1876) before inclusion in the
1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
By Broad Potomac’s Shore, p. 612:
Published under this title in As a Strong Bird on Pinions
Free (1872), the poem was also included in Two Rivulets
(1876) before appearing in Leaves of Grass (1881).
From Far Dakota’s Canons, p. 613: First
appearing in the New York Tribune of June 18, 1876, as “A
Death Sonnet for Custer,” the poem was included in the 1876 edition
of Leaves of Grass before gaining its final position in the
“From Noon to Starry Night” cluster in 1881.
Old War-Dreams, p. 614: First appearing
in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866), the poem was revised and
published in 1867 and 1871 before its inclusion in the 1881
edition.
Thick-sprinkled Bunting, p. 615: First
published as “Flag of Stars, Thick-sprinkled Bunting” in
Drum-Taps (1865), the poem received its present title in
1871.
What Best I See in Thee, p. 615: The
dedication to Ulysses S. Grant first appeared in the 1881 edition
of Leaves of Grass.
Spirit That Form’d This Scene, p. 616:
This poem was a new inclusion in Leaves of Grass
(1881).
As I Walk These Broad Majestic Days, p.
616: “Chants Democratic. 21” in 1860 and ”As I Walk Solitary,
Unattended“ in the ”Songs before Parting“ annex to Leaves of
Grass (1867), the poem was given its current title in 1871. It
was revised until it achieved its final form in 1881.
A Clear Midnight, p. 617: This was a new
inclusion to the 1881 edition of Leaves of Grass.
Songs of Parting, p. 618: This cluster is
new to the 1881 edition, though all but two of the seventeen poems
(“As at Thy Portals Also Death” and “The Sobbing of the Bells”)
appeared in earlier editions.
As the Time Draws Nigh, p. 618:
Originally titled “To My Soul” in the 1860 edition of Leaves of
Grass, this poem was originally much longer and more personal;
it was revised for inclusion in the “Songs before Parting” annex of
1867 and was retitled “As the Time Draws Nigh” in 1871.
Years of the Modern, p. 618: Published as
“Years of the Unper- formed” in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem
took on its present title when it appeared in “Songs of Parting” in
Leaves of Grass (1872).
Ashes of Soldiers, p. 620: First
published in Drum-Taps of 1865 as “Hymn of Dead Soldiers,”
this poem was also included in Passage to India of 1871, the
1872 edition of Leaves of Grass, and the 1876 companion
volume Two Rivulets.
Thoughts, p. 621: The first part of this
poem was “Chants Democratic. 9” and the second part ”Chants
Democratic. 11” in Leaves of Grass (1860). In 1867 the poems
were combined and formed the first two sections of “Thoughts,”
which was republished in 1871 and 1881.
Song at Sunset, p. 623: Originally
entitled “Chants Democratic. 8” in the 1860 edition, this poem
gained its present title in 1867 was republished in 1871 and
1881.
As at Thy Portals Also Death, p. 625:
This elegy to Whitman’s mother was new to the 1881 edition of
Leaves of Grass.
My Legacy, p. 626: First published as
“Souvenirs of Democracy” in As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free
(1872), the poem was reprinted in Two Rivulets (1876) and
appeared in Leaves of Grass (1881) under its present
title.
Pensive on Her Dead Gazing, p. 626:
Appearing first in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem underwent
minor revisions through its republication in 1867, 1871, and
1881.
Camps of Green, p. 627: This poem shares
the publication history of “Pensive on Her Dead Gazing,” appearing
first in Drum-Taps (1865) and in final form in Leaves of
Grass (1881).
The Sobbing of the Bells, p. 628: First
published in the Boston Daily Globe of September 27, 1881,
it was included in Leaves of Grass (1881).
As They Draw to a Close, p. 629: First
published in Passage to India (1871) as “Thought,” the poem
achieved its final form in 1881.
Joy, Shipmate, Joy!, p. 629: Published
with the current title and text in Passage to India
(1871).
The Untold Want, p. 629: Published with
the current title and text in Passage to India (1871).
Portals, p. 630: Published with the
current title and text in Passage to India (1871).
These Carols, p. 630: Published with the
current title and text in Passage to India (1871).
Now Finalé to the Shore, p. 630:
Published in Passage to India (1871) and included with minor
revisions in Leaves of Grass (1881).
So Long!, p. 630: First published in
Leaves of Grass (1860), “So Long!” maintained its place as
the farewell poem in all subsequent editions of Leaves of
Grass. After 1860, the poem was shortened by more than twenty
lines.
First Annex: Sands at Seventy, p. 635:
This cluster of sixty-five poems was first published in the
miscellany November Boughs in 1888 (a year before Whitman’s
seventieth birthday). “Sands at Seventy” was first included in
Leaves of Grass in 1889. Like the poems of “Second Annex:
Good-Bye My Fancy,” most of these poems were written after
1884.
Mannahatta, p. 635: First published in
the New York Herald on February 27, 1888, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888) with minor revision.
Paumanok, p. 635: First published in the
New York Herald on February 29, 1888, the poem was included
in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
From Montauk Point, p. 635: First
published in the New York Herald on March 1, 1888, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
To Those Who’ve Fail‘d, p. 636: First
published in the New York Herald on January 27, 1888, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888) with minor revision.
A Carol Closing Sixty-nine, p. 636: First
published in the New York Herald on May 21, 1888, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
The Bravest Soldiers, p. 636: First
published in the New York Herald on March 18, 1888, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
A Font of Type, p. 637: First published
in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
As I Sit Writing Here, p. 637: First
published in the New York Herald on May 14, 1888, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
My Canary Bird, p. 637: First published
in the New York Herald on March 2, 1888, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Queries to My Seventieth Year, p. 637:
First published in the New York Herald on May 2, 1888, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
The Wallabout Martyrs, p. 638: First
published in the New York Herald on March 16, 1888, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
The First Dandelion, p. 638: First
published in the New York Herald on March 12, 1888, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
America, p. 638: This poem was published
in the New York Herald of April 23, 1888, and then included
in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Memories, p. 639: First published in the
“Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs (1888).
To-Day and Thee, p. 639: First published
in the New York Herald on April 23, 1888, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
After the Dazzle of Day, p. 639: First
published in the New York Herald on February 3, 1888, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Abraham Lincoln, Born Feb. 12,
1809, p. 639: First published in the New York Herald
on February 12, 1888, the poem was included in the “Sands at
Seventy” annex of November Boughs (1888).
Out of May’s Shows Selected, p. 640:
First published in the New York Herald of May 10, 1888, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Halycon Days, p. 640: First published in
the New York Herald of January 29, 1888, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Fancies at Navesink, p. 640: This group
of eight poems was first published in the London publication
Nineteenth Century in August 1885; all were included with
the same text and title in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
Election Day, November, 1884, p. 643:
First published in the Philadelphia Press of October 26,
1884, the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
With Husky-Haughty Lips, O Sea!, p. 644:
First published in Harper’s Monthly in March 1884, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Death of General Grant, p. 645: First
published in Harper’s Weekly on May 16, 1885, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Red Jacket (From Aloft), p. 645: First
published in the Philadelphia Press of October 10, 1884, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Washington’s Monument, February, 1885, p.
646: First published in the Philadelphia Press of February
22, 1885, the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
Of That Blithe Throat of Thine, p. 646:
First published in Harper’s Monthly of January 1885, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Broadway, p. 647: First published in the
New York Herald on April 10, 1888, the poem was included in
the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
To Get the Final Lilt of Songs, p. 647:
First published in the New York Herald of April 16, 1888,
the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
Old Salt Kossabone, p. 648: First
published in the New York Herald of February 25, 1888, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
The Dead Tenor, p. 648: First published
in the Critic of November 87 1884, the poem was included in
the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Continuities, p. 649: First published in
the New York Herald of March 20, 1888, the poem was included
in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Yonnondio, p. 649: First published in the
Critic of November 26, 1887, the poem was included in the
“Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs (1888).
Life, p. 650: First published in the
New York Herald of April 15, 1888, the poem was included in
the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
“Going Somewhere,” p. 650: First
published in Lippincott’s Magazine in November 1887, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Small the Theme of My Chant, p. 651: This
was the introductory poem to Leaves of Grass (1867); revised
and condensed, it headed the “Inscriptions” cluster in 1871.
True Conquerors, p. 651: First published
in the New York Herald of February 15, 1888, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
The United States to Old World Critics,
p. 652: First published in the New York Herald of May 8,
1888, the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
The Calming Thought of All, p. 652: First
published in the New York Herald of May 27, 1888, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Thanks in Old Age, p. 652: First
published in the Philadelphia Press of November 24, 1887,
the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
Life and Death, p. 653: First published
in the New York Herald of May 23, 1888, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
The Voice of the Rain, p. 653: First
published in Outing in August 1885, the poem was included in
the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Soon Shall the Winter’s Foil Be Here, p.
653: First published in the New York Herald of February 21,
1888, the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
While Not the Past Forgetting, p. 654:
The poem’s first appearance was in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
The Dying Veteran, p. 654: First
published in McClair’s Magazine in June 1887, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Stronger Lessons, p. 655: These two lines
were originally part of the 1860 poem “Debris.” In 1867 the lines
were given the present title.
A Prairie Sunset, p. 655: First published
in the New York Herald of March 9, 1888, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Twenty Years, p. 656: First published in
the Magazine of Art in July 1888, the poem was included in
the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Orange Buds by Mail from Florida, p. 656:
First published in the New York Herald of March 19, 1888,
the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
Twilight, p. 657: First published in
Century magazine in December 1887, the poem was included in
the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
You Lingering Sparse Leaves of Me, p.
657: First published in Lippincott’s in November 1887, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Not Meagre, Latent Boughs Alone, p. 657:
First published in Lip- pincott’s in November 1887, the poem
was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
The Dead Emperor, p. 657: The poem was
first published in the New York Herald of March 10, 1888,
the day after the death of Wilhelm I of Germany. The poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
As the Greek’s Signal Flame, p. 658:
First published in the New York Herald of December 15, 1887,
the poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
The Dismantled Ship, p. 658: First
published in the New York Herald of February 23, 1888, the
poem was included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Now Precedent Songs, Farewell, p. 658:
This poem was first published in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of
November Boughs (1888).
An Evening Lull, p. 659: This poem was
first published in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November
Boughs (1888).
Old Age’s Lambent Peaks, p. 659: First
printed in Century magazine in September 1888, this poem was
not collected in November Boughs but in the “Sands at
Seventy” annex of Leaves of Grass (1888).
After the Supper and Talk, p. 660: First
published in Lippincott’s in November 1887, the poem was
included in the “Sands at Seventy” annex of November Boughs
(1888).
Second Annex: Good-Bye My Fancy, p. 661:
This cluster of thirty-one poems was first assembled as a
sixty-six-page volume of prose and poetry, published by David McKay
in May 1891; the grouping was included in the 1802 edition of
Leaves of Grass. Most of these works were written in the
poet’s final decade and first published in periodicals after
1888.
Preface Note to 2d Annex, Concluding L. of
G.—1891, p. 661: Whitman included these spontaneous-sounding
notes in the 1891 volume entitled Good-Bye My Fancy; they
also prefaced the “Second Annex” of the 1891—1892 edition of
Leaves of Grass.
Sail Out for Good, Eidólon Yacht!, p.
663: Published as “Old Age Echoes” along with three other poems
(“Sound of the Winter,” “The Unexpress‘d,” and “After the
Argument”) in LiPpincott’s of March 1891, the poem was
collected in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Lingering Last Drops, p. 663: The poem
was first published in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Good-Bye My Fancy, p. 664: The poem was
first published in GoodBye My Fancy (1891).
On, On the Same, Ye Jocund Twain!, p.
664: The poem was first published in Good-Bye My Fancy
(1891).
My 71st Year, p. 665: First published in
Century magazine in November 1889, the poem was collected in
Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Apparitions, p. 665: The poem was first
published in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
The Pallid Wreath, p. 665: First
published in the Critic of January 10, 1891, the poem was collected
in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
An Ended Day, p. 666: The poem was first
published in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Old Age’s Ship & Crafty Death‘s, p.
667: First published in Century magazine in February 1890,
the poem was collected in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
To the Pending Year, p. 667: First
published in the Critic of January 5, 1889 as “To the Year
1889,” the poem received its current title in Good-Bye My
Fancy (1891).
Shakspere-Bacon’s Cipher, p. 667: First
published in the Cosmopolitan magazine of October 1887, the
poem was collected in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Long, Long Hence, p. 668: The poem was
first published in Good- Bye My Fancy (1891).
Bravo, Paris Exposition!, p. 668: First
published in Harper’s Weekly on September 28, 1889, the poem
was collected in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Interpolation Sounds, p. 668: First
published in the New York Herald of August 12, 1888, under
the title “Over and Through the Burial Chant,” the poem received
its current title in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
To the Sun-set Breeze, p. 669: First
published in Lippincott’s for December 1800, the poem was
collected in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Old Chants, p. 670: First published in
New York Truth of March 10, 1881, the poem was collected in
Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
A Christmas Greeting, p. 671: The poem
was first published in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Sounds of the Winter, p. 671: Published
as “Old Age Echoes” along with three other poems (“Sail Out for
Good, Eidolon Yacht!,” “The Unexpress‘d,” “After the Argument”) in
Lippincott’s for March 1891, the poem was collected in
Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
A Twilight Song, p. 672: First published
in the Century of May 1890, the poem was collected in
Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
When the Full-Grown Poet Came, p. 672: An
intercalation in Leaves of Grass: Author’s Edition, with
Portraits and Intercalations (1876), the poem was printed in
the same position in Leaves of Grass: Author’s Edition, with
Portraits from Life (1876). Left out of subsequent editions, it
reappeared in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Osceola, p. 673: First published in
Munson’s Illustrated World of April 1890, the poem was
collected in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
A Voice from Death, p. 674: First
published in the New York World of June 7, 1889, the poem
was collected in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
A Persian Lesson, p. 675: The poem was
first published in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
The Commonplace, p. 676: Munson’s
Magazine published a facsimile of the manuscript of this poem
in March 1891. It was first collected in Good-Bye My Fancy
(1891).
“The Rounded Catalogue Divine Complete,”
p. 676: The poem was first published in Good-Bye My Fancy
(1891).
Mirages, p. 677: The poem was first
published in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
L. of G.’s Purport, p. 678: The poem was
first published in Good- Bye My Fancy (1891).
The Unexpress‘d, p. 678: Published as
“Old Age Echoes” along with three other poems (“Sail Out for Good,
Eidólon Yacht!,” “Sounds of the Winter,” and “After the Argument”)
in the Lippincott’s of March 1891, the poem was collected in
Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Grand Is the Seen, p. 679: The poem was
first published in Good- Bye My Fancy (1891).
Unseen Buds, p. 679: The poem was first
published in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891).
Good-Bye My Fancy!, p. 679: The poem
first concluded the volume of the same title (1891) and maintained
its place in the “Second Annex” of Leaves of Grass
(1891-1892).
A Backward Glance o‘er Travel’d Roads, p.
681: This essay was completed in 1888 and first appeared in
November Boughs (1888), a volume of prose that also included
the cluster “Sands at Seventy.” It also appeared with “Sands at
Seventy” in Complete Poems and Prose, published that same
year; in the 1889 edition of Leaves of Grass printed for the
poet’s seventieth birthday; and the “Death bed” Edition of
Leaves of Grass published by David McKay in 1891-1892.
ADDITIONAL POEMS
Poems Written before 1855
Our Future Lot, p. 709: Published in the
Long Island Democrat of October 31, 1838, and labeled “from
the Long Islander,” “Our Future Lot” is Whitman’s earliest
extant published poem. The poem was heavily revised and published
as “Time to Come” in the New York Aurora of April 9,
1842.
Fame’s Vanity, p. 710: Published in the
Long Island Democrat of October 23, 1839, the poem was the
basis for “Ambition” (see note below), published in Brother
Jonathan on January 29, 1842.
My Departure, p. 711: The poem first
appeared in the Long Island Democrat of November 27, 1839;
the poem was shortened, revised, and published as “Death of the
Nature Lover” (see note below), in Brother Jonathan on March
11, 1843.
Young Grimes, p. 713: Published in the
Long Island Democrat of January 1, 1840, the poem is
Whitman’s response to Albert Gordon Greene’s “Old Grimes,” first
published in 1822 and frequently republished thereafter.
The Inca’s Daughter, p. 714: The poem was
first published in the Long Island Democrat of May 5,
1840.
The Love That Is Hereafter, p. 716: The
poem first appeared in the Long Island Democrat of May 19,
1840.
We Shall All Rest at Last, p. 717: First
published in the Long Island Democrat of July 14, 1840, the
poem was lightly revised and published as “Each Has His Grief” in
the New York New World of November 20, 1841.
The Spanish Lady, p. 719: First appeared
in the Long Island Democrat of August 4, 1840.
The End of All, p. 720: First published
in the Long Island Democrat of September 22, 1840, “The End
of All” was lightly revised and published as “The Winding Up” in
the same newspaper on June 22, 1841.
The Columbian’s Song, p. 722: The poem
first appeared in the Long Island Democrat of October 27,
1840.
The Punishment of Pride, p. 723: First
published in the New York New World of December 18, 1841,
the poem was allegedly written by Whitman two years earlier.
Ambition, p. 726: Appearing in Brother
Jonathan on January 29, 1842, this poem is the heavily revised
version of an earlier work entitled “Fame’s Vanity” (see note
above).
The Death and Burial of McDonald Clarke,
p. 728: Published in the New York Aurora of March 18,
1842.
Time to Come, p. 729: Published in the
New York Aurora of April 9, 1842, this poem is the heavily
revised version of an earlier poem entitled “Our Future Lot” (see
note above).
A Sketch, p. 730: Published in the New
World on December 10, 1842, this poem was first attributed to
Whitman in 1994.
Death of the Nature-Lover, p. 731:
Published in Brother Jonathan on March 11, 1843, this poem
is the heavily revised version of “My Departure” (see note
above).
The Play-Ground, p. 732: The poem was
published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle of June 1, 1846, which
was three months after Whitman assumed the editorship of the
newspaper.
Ode, p. 733: The poem appeared in the
Brooklyn Daily Eagle of July 2, 1846, while Whitman was
editor.
The Mississippi at Midnight, p. 735:
Originally published in the New Orleans Crescent of March 6,
1848, the poem was revised and renamed “Sailing the Mississippi at
Midnight” for inclusion in Collect (the literary miscellany
included in Specimen Days and Collect) in 1882.
Song for Certain Congressmen, p. 735:
Originally published in the New York Evening Post of March
2, 1850, the poem was republished as “Dough-Face Song” in
Collect in 1882, where Whitman also added the epigraph:
“Like dough; soft; yielding to pressure; pale.—Webster’s
Dictionary.
Blood-Money, p. 738: First published in
the New York Tribune Supplement of March 22, 1850, the poem
was reprinted in the Evening Post of April 30, 1851. With
very minor changes to punctuation, the poem was republished in
Collect in 1882.
The House of Friends, p. 739: Published
in the New York Tribune of June 14, 1850, the poem was
revised and published as “Wounded in the House of Friends” in
Collect in 1882.
Resurgemus, p. 741: Appearing in the
New York Tribune on June 21, 1850, “Resurgemus” was revised
and included as the eighth of the twelve untitled poems in the 1855
edition of Leaves of Grass. To date, it is the only poem
published before 1855 to have been included in the First Edition.
In 1856, with further revisions, it was known as “i6-Poem of the
Dead Young Men of Europe, The 72d and 73d Years of These States”;
in 1860, “Europe, The 72d and 73d Years of These States.”
Poems Excluded from the “Death-bed” Edition (1891-1892)
Great Are the Myths, p. 744: The poem
appears as it did in its final publication during Whitman’s
lifetime, the 1876 “Centennial” Edition of Leaves of Grass. The
idea of the poem has its basis in the last of the twelve untitled
poems of the 1855 edition; in various states of revision, it was
published in 1856 (“Poem of a Few Greatnesses”), 1860 (“Leaves of
Grass. 2”), 1867 (under its present title), and 1871. ”Great Are
the Myths“ was dropped from all subsequent editions; only lines
9-12 were separated and printed as ”Youth, Day, Old Age, and Night“
in the 1881 edition.
Chants Democratic. 6, p. 747: The poem
appears in its final published version from the 1860 edition.
Without the first line and with twenty-three additional lines
attached to the end, the poem was included in the 1856 edition
under the title “Poem of Remembrance for a Girl or a Boy of These
States.” The last twenty-three lines of the “Poem of Remembrance”
eventually became “Think of the Soul” in 1867 (see note
below).
Think of the Soul, p. 748: See note for
“Chants Democratic. 6,” above. These twenty-three lines were
originally part of “Poem of Remembrance for a Girl or a Boy of
These States” in 1856. In 1867 they became “Leaves of Grass. 1”; in
1871, the lines gained their present title, ”Think of the Soul.“
The poem was dropped from the 1881 edition.
Respondez!, p. 749: The poem appears as
it did in the 1876 “Centennial” Edition of Leaves of Grass;
it was dropped from all subsequent editions. It appeared first in
1856 as “Poem of the Proposition of Nakedness”; with minor
revisions, it became “Chants Democratic. 5” in 1860 and
”Respondez!“ in 1867.
Enfans d‘Adam. 11, p. 754: The poem
appeared only in the 1860 edition. All other “Enfans d’Adam” poems
were retained in various forms in subsequent editions.
Calamus. 16, p. 754: The poem appeared
only in the 1860 edition. Of the forty-five poems in the “Calamus”
series, only four (numbers 5, 8, 9, and 16) were not retained in
future editions.
Calamus. 8, p. 755: The poem appeared
only in the 1860 edition.
Calamus. 9, p. 756: The poem appeared
only in the 1860 edition.
Leaves of Grass. 20, p. 756: The poem was
published in the 1860 edition only.
Thoughts. 1, p. 757: The poem appeared in
the 1860 and 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass and was dropped
from subsequent editions.
Thought, p. 757: The poem appears as it
did in its final publication, in the 1876 “Centennial” Edition, as
well as in the 1871 edition of Leaves of Grass. Earlier
versions of the poem in the 1860 and 1867 editions include minor
changes in wording and a different title, “Thoughts. 6.”
Says, p. 758: The poem was first published in
1860. Though the title was retained in 1867, Whitman removed
stanzas 2, 3, 4, and 6. For the 1871, 1872, and 1876 editions,
stanzas 1, 5, 7, and 8 were renumbered 1 through 4, revised and
published as “Suggestions.” All variants of the poem were dropped
from subsequent editions.
Apostroph, p. 759: In this form, in 1860
the poem made its first and last appearance during Whitman’s
lifetime. For the 1867 edition lines 49-64 were revised as “Leaves
of Grass. 1.” Whitman worked on the lines yet again for the 1871
edition and retitled the poem “O Sun of Real Peace” (see note
below).
O Sun of Real Peace, p. 762: See the note
to “Apostroph” (above) for the history of this poem, which was
excluded from Leaves of Grass editions after 1871.
Primeval My Love for the Woman I Love, p.
762: The poem was published but once, in the 1860 edition of
Leaves of Grass. See the note for “Fast-anchor’d Eternal O
Love!” (p. 293), above.
To You, p. 763: The poem appeared in this
title and form in the 1860 and 1867 editions of Leaves of
Grass. For inclusion in the annex to Leaves of Grass
(1872) entitled “Passage to India” and for Two Rivulets
(1876), Whitman added a new line 4: “Come let us talk of
death—unbosom all freely.” The poem was dropped from subsequent
editions.
Now Lift Me Close, p. 763: The poem first
appeared as the last (“24”) of the ”Leaves of Grass“ cluster in
1860. In 1867 it gained its present title and retained its
placement at the end of the ”Leaves of Grass“ grouping. ”Now Lift
Me Close“ was dropped from subsequent editions (probably because
Whitman decided that ”So Long!“ was a sufficient farewell poem),
though a derivative entitled ”To the Reader at Parting“ appeared in
1871 (see note below).
To the Reader at Parting, p. 763: For an
explanation of the poem’s history, see the note to “Now Lift Me
Close.” “To the Reader at Parting” appeared in this form for the
first and final time during Whitman’s lifetime in Passage to
India (1871).
Debris, p. 764: The poem appeared in its
entirety only in the 1860 edition. Whitman later mined “Debris” for
other poems, including “Stronger Lessons,” “Yet, Yet, Ye Downcast
Hours,” “Offerings,” “Visor‘d,” “Beautiful Women,” “Not the Pilot,”
and “As if a Phantom Caress’d Me.”
Leaflets, p. 768: Originally part of
“Debris” in 1860, this separate poem appeared in the 1867 edition
of Leaves of Grass and was removed thereafter.
Despairing Cries, p. 768: Originally part
of “Debris” in 1860, “Despairing Cries” was published as its own
poem in 1867. It was dropped from subsequent editions, though some
lines were used in “Yet, Yet, Ye Downcast Hours” (see note to
“Debris,” above).
Calamus. 5, p. 769: The poem appeared
only in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass, with a final
seven lines that provided the basis for the poem “For You O
Democracy.” Lines 15-35 were used as the basis for the poem “Over
the Carnage Rose Prophetic a Voice.”
Thoughts. 2, p. 770: The poem appeared in
the 1860 and 1867 editions of Leaves of Grass and did not
appear in this form in subsequent editions.
Thoughts. 4, p. 771: The poem appeared as
the fourth part of the “Thoughts” grouping in the 1860 and 1867
editions of Leaves of Grass, and did not appear in this form
thereafter.
Bathed in War’s Perfume, p. 771: This is
the 1871 text of the poem, which was also included in the 1876
“Centennial” Edition but excluded from Leaves of Grass
thereafter. The poem first appeared in Drum-Taps of 1865 and the
1867 edition of Leaves of Grass, without the current second line,
which was included in 1871, six years after the end of the Civil
War.
Solid, Ironical, Rolling Orb, p. 771:
First published in Drum-Taps (1865), the poem appeared in 1867,
1871, and 1876 but was left out of the 1881 edition of Leaves of
Grass.
Not My Enemies Ever Invade Me, p. 772: First
published in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866), the poem was
reprinted in 1867 and excluded from all subsequent editions.
This Day, O Soul, p. 772: First published
in Sequel to Drum-Taps (1865-1866,) the poem appeared in the
1867 edition, the 1872 “Passage to India” annex and Two
Rivulets (1876). It was excluded from Leaves of Grass
thereafter.
Lessons, p. 772: This poem appeared for
the first and last time during Whitman’s lifetime in Passage to
India (1871).
Ashes of Soldiers: Epigraph, p. 772: This
epigraph first preceded the poem “Ashes of Soldiers” in Passage
to India (1871). It supplemented “Ashes of Soldiers” in the
“Passage to India” annexes of 1872 and 1876 but was excluded from
all subsequent editions.
The Beauty of the Ship, p. 773: The text
of this poem was published only in 1876. Along with “After an
Interval” (see note below), “The Beauty of the Ship” was an
intercalation in the 1876 Leaves of Grass: Author’s Edition,
with Portraits and Intercalations (an “intercalation” was
Whitman’s word for a clipping that was pasted in place in one
edition and printed on the same page in later pressings). The poem
was printed in the 1876 Leaves of Grass: Author’s Edition, with
Portraits from Life.
After an Interval, p. 773: See note to
“The Beauty of the Ship,” above. “After an Interval” was also an
intercalation in the 1876 Leaves of Grass: Author’s Edition,
with Portraits and Intercalations; it was published in the
later pressing of this edition, the 1876 Leaves of Grass:
Author’s Edition, with Portraits from Life.
Two Rivulets, p. 773: Published in this
form only once, in Two Rivulets, the companion volume to the
1876 edition of Leaves of Grass. Lines 10-12 were used in
“As Consequent, Etc.,” a poem new to the 1881 edition. All in all,
four poems in Two Rivulets appeared only in that volume:
“Two Rivulets,” “Or from That Sea of Time,” “From My Last Years,”
and “In Former Songs” (see notes, below).
Or from That Sea of Time, p. 774: The
text to this poem appeared in this form only in the 1876 companion
volume Two Rivulets. The first twelve lines were revised and
became lines 22-33 of “As Consequent, Etc”; lines 13-18 were
altered slightly to form lines 16-21 of that poem.
From My Last Years, p. 775: This poem
appeared once only in Two Rivulets (1876).
In Former Songs, p. 775: This poem
appears but once, in the companion volume Two Rivulets
(1876).
As in a Swoon, p. 775: The poem first
appeared as an intercalation in the 1876 Leaves of Grass:
Author’s Edition, with Portraits and Intercalations; it was
published in the 1876 edition Leaves of Grass: Author’s Edition,
with Portraits from Life (see the note, above, on “The Beauty
of the Ship” for information about Whitman’s intercalations).
Though it was included in Good-Bye My Fancy (1891) and
Complete Prose Works (1892), it was not included in
Leaves of Grass (1891-1892).
[Last Droplets], p. 776: Whitman
never titled these lines, which appear only once: in the prefatory
note to the literary miscellany Good-Bye My Fancy
(1891).
Ship Ahoy!, p. 776: The poem first
appeared in the literary miscellany Good-Bye My Fancy (1891)
and was also published in Complete Prose Works (1892),
though it was never included in the culminating 1801-1802 edition
of Leaves of Grass.
For Queen Victoria’s Birthday, p. 776:
This tribute poem appeared first in the Philadelphia Public
Ledger (May 22, 1890) and was included in Complete Prose
Works (1892), though Whitman decided not to include it in the
1891-1892 edition of Leaves of Grass.
L of G, p. 776: The poem appeared first
in the literary miscellany Good-Bye My Fancy (1891) and
finally in Complete Prose Works (1892). The poet chose not
to include it in his culminating edition of 1891-1892.
After the Argument, p. 777: Published in
Good-Bye My Fancy (1891) and Complete Prose Works
(1892), the poem was not included in Whitman’s culminating edition
of Leaves of Grass.
For Us Two, Reader Dear, p. 777:
Published in the literary miscellany Good-Bye My Fancy
(1891) as well as Complete Prose Works (1802), the poem was
excluded from the 1801-1802 edition of Leaves of
Grass.
Old Age Echoes (1897)
To Soar in Freedom and in Fullness of
Power, p. 779: First published in Old Age Echoes
(1897).
Then Shall Perceive, p. 779: First
published in Old Age Echoes (1897).
The Few Drops Known, p. 779: First
published in Old Age Echoes (1897).
One Thought Ever at the Fore, p. 780:
First published in Old Age Echoes (1807).
While Behind All Firm and Erect, p. 780:
First published in Old Age Echoes (1897).
A Kiss to the Bride, p. 780: Published in
the New York Daily Graphic of May 21, 1874, this poem was
first collected in Old Age Echoes (1897).
Nay, Tell Me Not To-day the Publish’d
Shame, p. 781: Published in the New York Daily Graphic
of March 5, 1873, this poem was first collected in Old Age
Echoes (1897).
Supplement Hours, p. 781: First published
in Old Age Echoes (1897)
Of Many a Smutch’d Deed Reminiscent, p.
782: First published in Old Age Echoes (1897).
To Be at All, Cf. Stanza 27, “Song of
Myself,” p. 782: Though this poem was first published in Old
Age Echoes (1897), it appears to be a draft or revision of
stanza 27 of “Song of Myself.”
Death’s Valley, p. 783: First
published—ironically—the month after Whitman’s death in Harper’s
New Monthly Magazine (April 1982), the poem was collected in
Old Age Echoes (1897).
On the Same Picture, p. 784: First
published in Old Age Echoes (1897).
A Thought of Columbus, p. 784: First
published in Once a Week on July 9, 1892, a few months after
Whitman’s death, the poem was collected in Old Age Echoes
(1897).