Classic Poem

Lay his dear ashes where ye will,—
On southern slope or western hill;
And build above his sacred name
Your proudest monument of fame;
Yet still his grave our hearts shall be;
His monument a people free!
Sing sweet, sing low;
We loved him so!
His grave a nation's heart shall be,
His monument a people free!

Wave, prairie winds! above his sleep
Your mournful dirges, long and deep;
Proud marble! o'er his virtues raise
The tribute of your glittering praise;
Yet still his grave our hearts shall be;
His monument a people free!
Sing sweet, sing low;
We loved him so!
His grave a nation's heart shall be;
His monument a people free!

So just, so merciful, so wise,
Ye well may shrine him where he lies;
So simply good, so great the while
Ye well may raise the marble pile;
Yet still his grave our hearts shall be;
His monument a people free!
Sing sweet, sing low;
We loved him so!
His grave a nation's heart shall be;
His monument a people free!