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."

America has furnished to the world the character of Washington!
And if our American institutions had done nothing else, read more

America has furnished to the world the character of Washington!
And if our American institutions had done nothing else, that
alone would have entitled them to the respect of mankind.

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.

There's a star in the West that shall never go down
Till the records of Valour decay,
read more

There's a star in the West that shall never go down
Till the records of Valour decay,
We must worship its light though it is not our own,
For liberty burst in its ray.
Shall the name of a Washington ever be heard
By a freeman, and thrill not his breast?
Is there one out of bondage that hails not the word,
As a Bethlehem Star of the West?

Our common Father and Deliverer, to whose prudence, wisdom and
valour we owe our Peace, Liberty and Safety, now read more

Our common Father and Deliverer, to whose prudence, wisdom and
valour we owe our Peace, Liberty and Safety, now leads and
directs in the great councils of the nation . . . and now we
celebrate an independent Government--an original Constitution!
an independent Legislature, at the head of which we this day
celebrate, The Father of his Country--We celebrate Washington!
We celebrate an independent Empire!

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his
countrymen.

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his
countrymen.

Where may the wearied eye repose,
When gazing on the Great;
Where neither guilty glory glows,
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Where may the wearied eye repose,
When gazing on the Great;
Where neither guilty glory glows,
Nor despicable state?
Yes--one the first, the last, the best,
The Cincinnatus of the West
Whom envy dared not hate,
Bequeathed the name of Washington
To make man blush; there was but one.

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."

'Twas his ambition, generous and great
A life to life's great end to consecrate.

'Twas his ambition, generous and great
A life to life's great end to consecrate.