Classic Poem

Old Time rolls by, but gently breathes
On Franklin's glorious fame,
And all its freshest laurel wreathes
Around his honored name
Bring summer's bloom his brow to adorn,
Bring spring's most gorgeous flowers;
He, with celestial yearnings born,
Made Nature's secrets ours.

Bid the swift lightning write his name
In blue electric fire,
And roaring thunders loud proclaim
Him whom all lands admire.
Stand, patriot, sage, in lasting bronze,
By grateful art enshrined;
Live in ten thousand gathering sons,—
Thy meed, the polished mind.

The sparkling gift each year revives
Thy high renown again,
Linked with the history of our lives,—
Thy trophies, living men
So Time rolls by, but gently breathes
On Franklin's glorious fame,
And all its freshest laurels wreathes
Around his honored name.