Classic Poem

A FRAGMENT

Y E who have wept, and felt, and summed the whole
Of virtue's loss in Horner's parted soul,
I speak to you, — though words can ill portray
The extinguished light, the blessings swept away,
The soul high-graced to plead, high-skilled to plan,
For human welfare gone, and lost to man!

This weight of truth subdues my power of song,
And gives a faltering voice to feelings strong.
But I should ill acquit the debt I feel
To private friendship and to public zeal
Were my heart's tribute not with theirs to blend
Who loved most intimate their country's friend,
Or if the muse to whom his living breath
Gave pride and comfort mourned him not in death.
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