# OLD AGE'S SHIP & CRAFTY DEATH'S

From east and west across the horizon's edge,
Two mighty masterful vessels sailers steal upon us:
But we'll make race a-time upon the seas — a battle-contest
yet! bear lively there!
(Our joys of strife and derring-do to the last !)
Put on the old ship all her power to-day!
Crowd top-gallant, and royal studding-sails!
Out challenge and defiance — flags and flaunting pennants
added,
As we take to the open — take to the deepest, freest waters.

WALT WHITMAN.

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