Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Hospitals, Heroism, War, Disease, Gender

    A eulogy to Florence Nightingale. Upholds her as the most 'heroic host' that stood before the troops in Sebastopol and as an 'English maiden' who is 'our bravest and our best'. Agrees that men and dogs are brave and that their valour stems from 'simple want of heed', but points out that 'courage, in a woman's heart, is bravery indeed'. Identifies the 'great spirit' burning within her 'little breast' as that which 'dared the fever and the pest', and describes the honours, prayers, and blessing bestowed upon her by inhabitants of the military camp. Pondering her examination of the 'Enemy's stronghold', believes that her name and memory will 'live longer' than others and that she will be compared to Joan of Arc.