From out the ranks of common men he rose--
Himself of common elements, yet fine--
As in a wood of different species grows
Above all other trees the lordly pine,
Upon whose branches rest the winter snows,
Upon whose head warm beams of summer shine;
His was the heart to feel the people's woes
And his the hand to hold the builder's line;
Strong, patient, wise and great,
Born ruler of the State.
Among a mountain group one sovereign peak
Will tower aloft unto commanding height
As if more distant view abroad to seek--
First one to hail, last one to speed the light;
Those granite sides will snows of winter streak
E'en in the summer with their purest white;--
Silent, serene, that summit yet will speak
Of loftiest grandeur to the enraptured sight;
So Lincoln's greatness shone
Supreme, unmatched, alone.
[Illustration: LINCOLN AS CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT