The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys Late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of Madrid |
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 | The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys |  |
Then say what chief has nobler trophies won?
What godlike patriot deeds more glorious done?
Who more the secret foes of union foil'd?
For independence more successful toil'd?
To love our country more the mind prepar'd?
'Gainst foreign influence plac'd a stronger guard?
In education form'd a wiser plan,
To guard inviolate the rights of man?
Who better could our path to bliss explore?
And whose whole life has honour'd virtue more?
What other sage, by equal ardour warm'd,
Such signal service for mankind perform'd?—
Wide as the world shall spread his deathless fame,
While boundless generations bless the name,
In bright example shown. Ye good! ye brave!
Come learn with him to triumph o'er the grave.
Cheer'd by that lore not Greece or Rome could teach,
That lore divine beyond our reason's reach;
Bid comfort come (ere grief prevail too long)
And exultation join the seraph song,
While spirits of the just made perfect sing,
“Where is thy vict'ry, grave! where, death! thy sting?”
What godlike patriot deeds more glorious done?
Who more the secret foes of union foil'd?
For independence more successful toil'd?
To love our country more the mind prepar'd?
'Gainst foreign influence plac'd a stronger guard?
In education form'd a wiser plan,
To guard inviolate the rights of man?
Who better could our path to bliss explore?
And whose whole life has honour'd virtue more?
What other sage, by equal ardour warm'd,
Such signal service for mankind perform'd?—
Wide as the world shall spread his deathless fame,
While boundless generations bless the name,
In bright example shown. Ye good! ye brave!
Come learn with him to triumph o'er the grave.
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That lore divine beyond our reason's reach;
Bid comfort come (ere grief prevail too long)
And exultation join the seraph song,
While spirits of the just made perfect sing,
“Where is thy vict'ry, grave! where, death! thy sting?”
| The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys | |