Louisa May Alcott

To Papa

IN HIGH Olympus' sacred shade
    A gift Minerva wrought 
For her beloved philosopher
    Immersed in deepest thought.

A shield to guard his aged breast
    With its enchanted mesh 
When he his nectar and ambrosia took
    To strengthen and refresh.

Long may he live to use the life
    The hidden goddess gave, 
To keep unspotted to the end
    The gentle, just, and brave.