PRESIDENT GARFIELD.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 55, 1 October 1881, Page 44

PRESIDENT GARFIELD.

IS" MEMORIAM.

I love to contemplate a man, Perfected manhood, uncrowned Head ! Foremost to lead the glorious van : ]S"ot nobly born, but nobly bred.

Who spent his youth in roughest toil, Yet leisure found for grander things, And, whilst he " burnt the midnight oil," Drank deep of Learning's classic springs,

Brave soldier on stern battle-field, Mild ruler in his smiling horne — That peaceful home -which seemed to yield Bright promise of long years to come. "Who, throned upon the highest heights, Still led his simple, blameless life, And never quenched the sacred lights Of noble mother, spotless wife.

The highest joy that heart can know Was theirs to feel the purest bliss, When on each raised and glowing brow He pressed that sacramental kiss,*

And turned from all tho plaudits loud To them with whom he shared his fame, Content to show the shouting crowd That fond affection's holy flame.

Throxigh all those lingering weeks of woe, jSTone heard one harsh, impatient tone ; Ho only said, in accents low, " Father, Thy gracious will be done."

Meet President for those bold men, Descendants of the tried and bravo, Who loft their homes with sad " Amen," To sail the Mayilower o'er the wave :

To prove they valued conscience more Than all things upon land or sea, And found ivpon a rugged shore The great Republic of the Free !

♦After the delivery of his inaugural address, which was one of tho best ever delivered, President Qarfield turned to his mother and his wife, who were sitting behind him, and kissed them both, in the face of the applauding multitudes.