BEGINNING my studies, the first step pleas'd me so much,
 The mere fact, consciousness--these forms--the power of motion,
 The least insect or animal--the senses--eyesight--love;
 The first step, I say, aw'd me and pleas'd me so much,
 I have hardly gone, and hardly wish'd to go, any farther,
 But stop and loiter all the time, to sing it in extatic songs.