A Nation announcing itself，

    I myself make the only growth by which I can be appreciated，

    I reject none， accept all， then reproduce all in my own forms.

    A breed whose proof is in time and deeds，

    What we are we are， nativity is answer enough to objections，

    We wield¹ ourselves as a weapon is wielded²，

    We are powerful and tremendous in ourselves，

    We are executive in ourselves， we are sufficient in the variety

    of ourselves，

    We are the most beautiful to ourselves and in ourselves，

    We stand self-pois'd in the middle， branching thence over the

    world，

    From Missouri， Nebraska， or Kansas， laughing attacks to

    scorn.

    Nothing is sinful to us outside of ourselves，

    Whatever appears， whatever does not appear， we are beautiful

    or sinful in ourselves only.

    （O Mother - O Sisters dear！

    If we are lost， no victor else has destroy'd us，

    It is by ourselves we go down to eternal night.）