_Written for the Lincoln Memorial Album, by
Eugene J. Hall, 1882._
O honored name, revered and undecaying,
Engraven on each heart, O soul sublime!
That, like a planet through the heavens straying,
Outlives the wreck of time!
O rough, strong soul, your noble self-possession
Is unforgotten. Still your work remains.
You freed from bondage and from vile oppression
A race in clanking chains.
O furrowed face, beloved by all the nation!
O tall gaunt form, to memory fondly dear!
O firm, bold hand, our strength and our salvation!
O heart that knew no fear!
Lincoln, your manhood shall survive forever,
Shedding a fadeless halo round your name;
Urging men on, with wise and strong endeavor,
To bright and honest fame!
Through years of care, to rest and joy a stranger,
You saw complete the work you had begun,
Thoughtless of threats, nor heeding death or danger,
You toiled till all was done.
You freed the bondman from his iron master,
You broke the strong and cruel chains he wore,
You saved the Ship of State from foul disaster
And brought her safe to shore.
You fell! An anxious nation's hopes seemed blighted,
While millions shuddered at your dreadful fall;
But _God is good_! His wondrous hand has righted
And reunited all.
You fell, but in your death you were victorious;
To moulder in the tomb your form has gone,
While through the world your great soul grows more glorious
As years go gliding on!
All hail, great Chieftain! Long will sweetly cluster
A thousand memories round your sacred name,
Nor time, nor death shall dim the spotless luster
That shines upon your fame.
[Illustration: STATUE OF LINCOLN