Analysis of As Toilsome I Wander'd

   AS TOILSOME I wander'd Virginia's woods,
   To the music of rustling leaves, kick'd by my feet, (for 'twas
         autumn,)
   I mark'd at the foot of a tree the grave of a soldier,
   Mortally wounded he, and buried on the retreat, (easily all could I
         understand;)
   The halt of a mid-day hour, when up! no time to lose--yet this sign
         left,
   On a tablet scrawl'd and nail'd on the tree by the grave,
   Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade.

Long, long I muse, then on my way go wandering;
   Many a changeful season to follow, and many a scene of life;
   Yet at times through changeful season and scene, abrupt, alone, or in
         the crowded street,                                          10
   Comes before me the unknown soldier's grave--comes the inscription
         rude in Virginia's woods,
   Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade.