Suggestive programs for special day exercises/Washington and Lowell Day/Washington
WASHINGTON.
THE BRIGHTEST NAME ON HISTORY'S PAGE.
Land of the West! though passing brief
The record, of thine age,
Thou hast a name that darkens all
On history's wide page.
Let all the blasts of Fame ring out,
Thine shall be loudest far;
Let others boast their satellites,
Thou hast the planet star.
Thou hast a name whose characters
Of light shall ne'er depart;
'Tis stamped upon the dullest brain
And warms the coldest heart;
A war cry fit for any land
Where freedom's to be won;
Land of the West! it stands alone,
It is thy Washington!
Rome had its Cæsar, great and brave,
But stain was on his wreath;
He lived the heartless conqueror.
And died the tyrant's death,
Prance had its eagle, but his wings.
Though lofty they might soar.
Were spread in false ambition's flight.
And dipped in murder's gore.
Those hero-gods, whose mighty sway
Would fain have claimed the waves,
Who flashed their blades with tiger zeal
To make a world of slaves;
Who, though their kindred barred the path,
Still fiercely waded on,
Oh, where appears their "glory" now
Beside a Washington!
He fought, but not with love of strife;
He struck but to defend;
And ere he turned a people's foe.
He sought to be a friend.
He strove to keep his country's right
By reason's gentle word.
And sighed when all injustice threw
The challenge sword to sword.
He stood, the firm, the grand, the wise,
The patriot and the sage;
He showed no deep, avenging hate,
No burst of despot rage.
He stood for Liberty and Truth,
And daringly led on,
Till shouts of victory gave forth
The name of Washington.