[Lyric] To L. M. A. (Amos Bronson Alcott)

When I remember with what buoyant heart,
Midst war's alarms and woes of civil strife,
In youthful eagerness thou didst depart,
At peril of thy safety, peace, and life,
To nurse the wounded soldier, swathe the dead,--
How piercèd soon by fever's poisoned dart,
And brought unconscious home, with 'wildered head,--
Though ever since, mid languor and dull pain,

To conquer fortune, cherish kindred dear,
Hast with grave studies vexed a sprightly brain,
In myriad households kindled love and cheer;
Ne'er from thyself by Fame's lound trump beguiled,
Sounding in this and the farther hemisphere,--
I press thee to my heart as Duty's faithful child.