  WRITTEN FOR A MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE A Soul was stirred as one thro' blinding tears Rehearsed a tale of want and cruel wrong; Keen indignation banished doubts and fears; The purpose of imperial youth grew strong. A Voice was heard: "Alas! that on the side Of sin and mad oppression there is power, But we will change all this, if God so aid":— And Maine's new freedom dated from that hour. A Life was given; fraught with noble deeds;— And boldness for the right that gave no heed To threatening hate, or sycophant's appeal. But men decried the fervor of that Soul, And would have hushed the Voice that pleaded still Against the oppressors' power, and such control As brought them gain, all others loss and ill. And men denounced that Life; and where it came Ofttimes their scoffings tainted the sweet air, As with malicious scorn they hailed a name That calumny itself left clean and fair. And now that Soul hath entered into rest; That Voice is silent, and that peerless Life Hath crossed the threshold where the good and blest Enter, and cease from sorrow, toil and strife. O Life and Voice and Soul! O princely one! Our loyal hearts send greeting to thee now; Thy name has lighted near a century gone,— 'Twill brighten ages yet to come, Neal Dow. |
|
