taking precedence in
     poems or anywhere,
You workwomen and workmen of these States having your
     own divine and strong life,
And all else giving place to men and women like you.

When the psalm sings instead of the singer,
When the script preaches instead of the preacher,
When the pulpit descends and goes instead of the carver that
     carved the supporting desk,
When I can touch the body of books by night or by day, and
     when they touch my body back again,
When a university course convinces like a slumbering woman
     and child convince,
When the minted gold in the vault smiles like the night-
     watchman's daughter,
When warrantee deeds loafe in chairs opposite and are my
     friendly companions,
I intend to reach them my hand, and make as much of them as
     I do of men and women like you.

1855
1881