Washington's Statue

The quarry whence thy form majestic sprung Has peopled earth with grace, Heroes and gods that elder bards have sung, A bright and peerless race; But from its sleeping veins ne’er rose before A shape of loftier name Than his, who Glory’s wreath with meekness wore, The noblest son of Fame. Sheathed is the sword that Passion never stained; His gaze around is cast, As if the joys of Freedom, newly gained, Before his vision passed; As if a nation’s shout of love and pride With music filled the air, And his calm soul was lifted on the tide Of deep and grateful prayer; As if the crystal mirror of his life To fancy sweetly came, With scenes of patient toil and noble strife, Undimmed by doubt or shame; As if the lofty purpose of his soul Expression would betray,— The high resolve Ambition to control, And thrust her crown away! O, it was well in marble firm and white To carve our hero’s form, Whose angel guidance was our strength in fight, Our star amid the storm! Whose matchless truth has made his name divine, And human freedom sure, His country great, his tomb earth’s dearest shrine, While man and time endure! And it is well to place his image there Upon the soil he blest: Let meaner spirits, who its councils share, Revere that silent guest! Let us go up with high and sacred love To look on his pure brow, And as, with solemn grace, he points above, Renew the patriot’s vow!