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 18^th 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 16^th, 17^th, or 18^th 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).