Washington--a fixed star in the firmament of great names, shining
without twinkling or obscuration, with clear, beneficent light.

Washington--a fixed star in the firmament of great names, shining
without twinkling or obscuration, with clear, beneficent light.

The purely Great
Whose soul no siren passion could unsphere,
Thou nameless, now a power and mixed read more

The purely Great
Whose soul no siren passion could unsphere,
Thou nameless, now a power and mixed with fate.

While Washington hath left
His awful memory,
A light for after times.

While Washington hath left
His awful memory,
A light for after times.

This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of
Washington. We are met to celebrate this read more

This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of
Washington. We are met to celebrate this day. Washington is the
mightiest name on earth--long since mightiest in the cause of
civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On that
name an eulogy is expected. It can not be. To add brightness to
the sun or glory to the name of Washington is alike impossible.
Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name and in its
naked, deathless splendor leave it shining on.

Here you would know, and enjoy, what prosperity will way of
Washington. For a thousand leagues have nearly the read more

Here you would know, and enjoy, what prosperity will way of
Washington. For a thousand leagues have nearly the same effect
with a thousand years.

That name was a power to rally a nation in the hour of
thick-thronging public disasters and calamities; that read more

That name was a power to rally a nation in the hour of
thick-thronging public disasters and calamities; that name shone
amid the storm of war, a beacon light to cheer and guide the
country's friends; it flamed too like a meteor to repel her foes.

Every countenance seeked to say, "Long live George Washington,
the Father of the People."

Every countenance seeked to say, "Long live George Washington,
the Father of the People."

America has furnished to the world the character of Washington!
And if our American institutions had done nothing else, read more

America has furnished to the world the character of Washington!
And if our American institutions had done nothing else, that
alone would have entitled them to the respect of mankind.

The defender of his country--the founder of liberty,
The friend of man,
History and tradition are explored read more

The defender of his country--the founder of liberty,
The friend of man,
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 united all the greatness necessary
To an illustrious career.
Nature made him great,
He made himself virtuous.