The Grave of Washington. A person who accompanied Gen. Taylor on his visit to Richmond, gives the following description of the scene as the steamboat passed Mount Vernon. Some one remarked, "That for fifty years no boat or ship had passed the spot where lie the remains of the illustrious dead, without paying the solemn compliment of tolling the bell while passing. No such honor was ever before paid to the memory of the great dead." ""Tis the Mecca of the States!" solemnly added the President, without for a moment moving his eyes from the spot.] N the saffron-tinted morning, With Potomac's anthem swell, Where our honored Chief is sleeping, Mingles deed the passing bell! Slowly glides the gallant vessel By Mount Vernon's hallowed shades, And that mellowed, mournful cadence Echoes through the dewy glades. 236 THE GRAVE OF WASHINGTON. 'Tis Columbia's tender tribute, Offered to her noblest son! 'Tis the free heart's fervent homage At the Grave of Washington. In the slumb'rous hush of noontide, With Potomac's anthem swell, Where our honored Chief is sleeping, Mingles deep the passing bell! Never marble mausoleum Might such majesty impart; Nor the loud acclaim of millions, As the homage of the heart. 'Tis Columbia's tender tribute, Offered to her noblest son! 'Tis the free heart's earnest homage At the Grave of Washington. In the rosy flush of evening, For his name will be a watchword, While his country shall endure. 'Tis Columbia's tender tribute, Offered to her noblest son! 'Tis the true heart's fervent homage At the Grave of Washington. In the blue and starry midnight, 'Tis the signet of the Union 'Tis the Mecca of the States! Mete such true and tender tribute 'Tis the free heart's fervent homage At the Grave of Washington. FINIS. |