WHEN I remember with what buoyant heart, <br />Midst war's alarms and woes of civil strife, <br />In youthful eagerness, thou didst depart, <br />At peril of thy safety, peace, and life, <br />To nurse the wounded soldier, swathe the dead -- <br />How piercéd soon by fever's poisoned dart, <br />And brought unconscious home, with wildered head -- <br />Thou, ever since, mid languor and dull pain, <br />To conquer fortune, cherish kindred dear, <br />Hast with grave studies vexed a sprightly brain, <br />In myriad households kindled love and cheer; <br />Ne'er from thyself by Fame's loud trump beguiled, <br />Sounding in this and the farther hemisphere: -- <br />I press thee to my heart, as Duty's faithful child.<br /><br />Amos Bronson Alcott<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-16/
