History and Tradition are explored in vain
For a parallel to his character;
In the annals of modern greatness
He stands alone;

And the noblest names of Antiquity
Lose their lustre in his presence.

Born the benefactor of mankind,

He was equally endowed with all the qualities

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Appropriate to his illustrious career.

Nature made him great

And (Heaven directed)

He made himself virtuous.

Called by his country to the defence of her soil
And the vindication of her liberties,

He led to the field

Her patriot Armies;

And, displaying in rapid and brilliant succession
The united powers

Of consummate prudence

And heroic valor,

He triumphed in Arms

Over the most powerful Nation of Modern Europe;
His sword giving Freedom to America, —
His councils breathing Peace to the World.

After a short repose

From the tumultuous vicissitudes

Of sanguinary War,

The commanding energies of Washington
Were again destined

To a new career of glory and usefulness:
The Civic Wreath

Was spontaneously placed, by the gratitude of the Nation,
On the brows of the Deliverer of his Country:
He was twice invested

With the powers of supreme Magistracy,
By the unanimous vote of a free people;

And in this exalted and arduous Station,
The wisdom of his Cabinet
Transcended the glories of the Field.

The destinies of Washington

Were now completed.

Having passed the meridian of a devoted life, Having founded on the pillars of National Independence The splendid fabric

Of a great Republic,

And having firmly established

The Empire of the West,

He solemnly deposited on the Altar of his Country His laurels and his sword;

And retired to the shades
Of private life.

A spectacle so new and so sublime
Was contemplated by mankind
With the profoundest admiration;
And the Name of Washington,
Adding new lustre to humanity,

Resounded to the remotest regions of the Earth.

Magnanimous in youth;

Glorious through life;

Great in death:

His highest Ambition the happiness of mankind;
His noblest victory

The conquest of himself

Bequeathing to America the Inheritance of his fame,
And building his Monument

In the hearts of his countrymen;
He lived,

The Ornament of the eighteenth century;
He died,

Lamented by a Mourning World.