Analysis of Excelsior

   WHO has gone farthest? For lo! have not I gone farther?
   And who has been just? For I would be the most just person of the
         earth;
   And who most cautious? For I would be more cautious;
   And who has been happiest? O I think it is I! I think no one was ever
         happier than I;
   And who has lavish'd all? For I lavish constantly the best I have;
   And who has been firmest? For I would be firmer;
   And who proudest? For I think I have reason to be the proudest son
         alive--for I am the son of the brawny and tall-topt city;
   And who has been bold and true? For I would be the boldest and truest
         being of the universe;
   And who benevolent? For I would show more benevolence than all the
         rest;
   And who has projected beautiful words through the longest time? Have
         I not outvied him? have I not said the words that shall stretch
         through longer time?                                         10
   And who has receiv'd the love of the most friends? For I know what it
         is to receive the passionate love of many friends;
   And who possesses a perfect and enamour'd body? For I do not believe
         any one possesses a more perfect or enamour'd body than mine;
   And who thinks the amplest thoughts? For I will surround those
         thoughts;
   And who has made hymns fit for the earth? For I am mad with devouring
         extasy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth!