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Meaning
The speaker expresses immediate compassion for a suffering young person, even without knowing him personally. The words suggest that in that moment, the speaker feels willing to sacrifice his own life if it would save the boy.
When It Was Said
Not documented yet.
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
The Patriotic Poems of Walt Whitman (2024)
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
The phrase appears in the book "The Patriotic Poems of Walt Whitman (2024)" by Walt Whitman (Google Books snippet); no earlier source was checked.
Did You Know?
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About Walt Whitman
American poet, essayist, and journalist, 19th century
Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. He lived in the 19th century and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American and world poetry. He wrote two novels as well as poetry and prose, and his work blends transcendentalism with realism. He is often called the father of free verse. Much of the attention around him came from the controversy over Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, which some readers condemned as obscene for its open sensuality.
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More Sacrifice quotes
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READ THE SOURCE
Books by Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass
2004
Drum-taps
1865
Canto a Mi Mismo
1950
The Wound Dresser
1898
Calamus
1897