Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/154

 And smites them with his passion's sceptred staff? Or is it he, who, like a vernal sun, Emerges from the dawn of human kind, And, rising higher, clears away the vapors Of prejudice and error that oppress it, By his example's genial warmth and light; And when at last he sets, forever leaves His radiant mem'ry's blissful evening-glow Upon the sky of human history? These are chimeras; strength and force alone Improve mankind; what higher names than those Of Alexander, Caesar and Napoleon? There is one higher still, the name of one Who steadfast, hopeful in the greatest trials, Achieved his country's freedom by his sword, And having sheathed it, rendered up his power In spite of tempting offers and requests, But never ceased by sacrificing service And true advice to found his country's welfare: The first in War—in Peace—and in the hearts Of all his countrymen—George Washington. [Stammering with embarrassment,] George Washington!—Ha, ha!—George Washington! He is—he was—[Abruptly] Cos, answer thou for me!