1AS 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.2Long, 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, ab- rupt, alone, or in the crowded street,Comes before me the unknown soldier's grave—comes the inscription rude in Virginia's woods,Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade.