To Abraham Lincoln

Stern be the pilot in the dreadful hour When a great nation, like a ship at sea With the wroth breakers whitening at her lee, Feels her last shudder if her helmsman cower; A godlike manhood be his mighty dower! Such and so gifted, Lincoln, mayst thou be, With thy high wisdom’s low simplicity And awful tenderness of voted power. From our hot records then thy name shall stand On Time’s calm ledger out of passionate days— With the pure debt of gratitude begun, And only paid in never-ending praise— One of the many of a mighty Land, Made by God’s providence the Anointed One. 1862.

Collection: 
English
John James Piatt

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