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TRIBUTE.
Patient, faithful, uncomplaining, Ever silent, brave, and true,Praying: "Father, O forgive them, For they know not what they do."Till the Saviour stooped in pity, Took him to his loving breast,Saying: "Good and faithful servant, Enter thou into thy rest."Then the weary struggle ended, And the tired heart grew still,And his spirit rose triumphant, Doing his Redeemer's will.
When the casket, flower-laden, Through the streets was sadly borne,Then there followed him in sorrow Hearts that truly, deeply mourn;Not in hundreds, but in thousands, Walked with solemn step and slowThe many friends who knew and loved him, Wearing emblems of their woe,—Bore him to the crape-crowned altar, Where so many years he stood,Lifting up the golden chalice Filled with the redeeming blood.
