John Greenleaf Whittier
(1807-1892) born on Dec 17
US "poet, essayist".
"He was a popular rural poet, e.g., "Barbara Frietchie," who devoted his life to social causes and reform."
Oh, for boyhood's painless play, Sleep that wakes in laughing day, Health that mocks the doctor's rules, Knowledge never learned of schools."
The smile of God is victory.
"Clothe with life the weak intent, let me be the thing I meant."
One brave deed makes no hero.
"Shoot, if you must, this old gray head, But spare your country's flag,' she said. A shade of sadness, a blush of shame, Over the face of the leader came."