Bryant, William Cullen (1794-1878) The death of Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00014 Author/Creator: Bryant, William Cullen (1794-1878) Place Written: [s.l.] Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: 28 June 1875 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
The poem is copied and signed by William C. Bryant.
Bryant was an American poet and editor of the Evening Post.
The Death of Lincoln
"Oh slow to smite and swift to spare,
Gentle and merciful and just,
Who, in the fear of God, didst bear
The sword of power, a nation's trust!
In sadness by thy bier we stand
Amid the awe that hushes all
And speak the anguish of a land
That shook with horror at thy fall.
Thy task is done; the bond are free,
We bear thee to an honered grave,
Whose proudest monument shall be
The broken fetters of the slave.
Pure was thy life; its bloody close
Hath placed thee with the Sons of Light,
Among the noble host of those
Who perished in the cause of Right."
William Cullen Bryant.
Copied June 28
1875
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