Both Uses of
rectitude
in
Leaves of Grass
- I swear there is no greatness or power that does not emulate those of the earth, There can be no theory of any account unless it corroborate the theory of the earth, No politics, song, religion, behavior, or what not, is of account, unless it compare with the amplitude of the earth, Unless it face the exactness, vitality, impartiality, rectitude of the earth.†
Chpt 16
- To a President All you are doing and saying is to America dangled mirages, You have not learn'd of Nature—of the politics of Nature you have not learn'd the great amplitude, rectitude, impartiality, You have not seen that only such as they are for these States, And that what is less than they must sooner or later lift off from these States.†
Chpt 20 *
Definition:
-
(rectitude) moral integrity