Venerable sir, thou hast borne the burdens of the world to the last
mile-post. Thy companions have fallen by the wayside, and even some of
them may have gone unbidden to their Judge. But thou, having in view the
dignity of the human mind and the will of God, hast labored while the
light was given thee, and hast journeyed while thy strength remained.
Thy destiny is now but opening to thy sight. Thou lookest through the
inner doors and seest that infinite cathedral which openeth beyond the
vestibule of death.
"The stars shall fade away, the sun himself
Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years;
But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth,
Unhurt amidst the war of elements,
The wreck of matter and the crush of worlds."