Classic Poem

Long are the years since he fell asleep
—Where the Potomac flows gently by,
There where Mount Vernon's green stretches sweep
—Under the blue Virginia sky.
Warrior and statesman and patriot true,
—Well had he wielded both sword and pen.
Truly, they said as they laid him to rest,
—“First in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Long are the years—and the land he loved
—Stands among nations, grown strong and great;
True to his vision of long ago,
—Proud of the hand that so shaped her fate.
Time but adds splendor to fame so fair,
—Years but test greatness—and now as then
Sleeps he in peace on Mount Vernon's hill,
—“First in the hearts of his countrymen.”

Long are the years since he fell asleep
Where the Potomac flows gently by,
There where Mount Vernon's green stretches sweep
Under the blue Virginia sky.
Warrior and statesman and patriot true,
Well had he wielded both sword and pen.
Truly, they said as they laid him to rest,
“First in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Long are the years—and the land he loved
Stands among nations, grown strong and great;
True to his vision of long ago,
Proud of the hand that so shaped her fate.
Time but adds splendor to fame so fair,
Years but test greatness—and now as then
Sleeps he in peace on Mount Vernon's hill,
“First in the hearts of his countrymen.”