The defender of his country--the founder of liberty,
The friend of man,
History and tradition are explored in vain
For a parallel to his character.
In the annals of modern greatness
He stands alone;
And the noblest names of antiquity
Lose their lustre in his presence.
Born the benefactor of mankind,
He united all the greatness necessary
To an illustrious career.
Nature made him great,
He made himself virtuous.
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Every countenance seeked to say, "Long live George Washington,
the Father of the People."
Every countenance seeked to say, "Long live George Washington,
the Father of the People."
The character, the counsels, and example of our
Washington . . . they will guide us through the doubts read more
The character, the counsels, and example of our
Washington . . . they will guide us through the doubts and
difficulties that beset us; they will guide our children and our
children's children in the paths of prosperity and peace, while
America shall hold her place in the family of nations.
His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content read more
His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content to wear the higher crown of worth,
While time endures, "First citizen of earth."
While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er
Shall sink while there's an echo left to air.
While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er
Shall sink while there's an echo left to air.
Oh, Washington! thou hero, patriot sage,
Friend of all climes, and pride of every age!
Oh, Washington! thou hero, patriot sage,
Friend of all climes, and pride of every age!
That name was a power to rally a nation in the hour of
thick-thronging public disasters and calamities; that read more
That name was a power to rally a nation in the hour of
thick-thronging public disasters and calamities; that name shone
amid the storm of war, a beacon light to cheer and guide the
country's friends; it flamed too like a meteor to repel her foes.
The purely Great
Whose soul no siren passion could unsphere,
Thou nameless, now a power and mixed read more
The purely Great
Whose soul no siren passion could unsphere,
Thou nameless, now a power and mixed with fate.
While Washington hath left
His awful memory,
A light for after times.
While Washington hath left
His awful memory,
A light for after times.
This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of
Washington. We are met to celebrate this read more
This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of
Washington. We are met to celebrate this day. Washington is the
mightiest name on earth--long since mightiest in the cause of
civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On that
name an eulogy is expected. It can not be. To add brightness to
the sun or glory to the name of Washington is alike impossible.
Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name and in its
naked, deathless splendor leave it shining on.
