WHITTIER, JOHN GREENLEAF

This United States poet lived from1807 - 1892, and was often called the Robert Burns of New England. Like the Scottish bard, he chose to write about the homely scenes and simple folks of his native region. When attending school in a neighbourhood farmhouse at age l4, his schoolmaster gave him a volume of poems by Robert Burns. John had never seen a book of poetry before and after being inspired by Burns poetry, often exceeded many other poets in feeling and eloquence. Many of his poems defended the rights of workers and attacked the institution of slavery. He is often referred to as the Quaker Poet.

Among the lines he left for us to enjoy are the following fourteen words: my favourites:

"The joy that you give others is the joy that comes back to you."