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.

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

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

Where may the wearied eye repose,
When gazing on the Great;
Where neither guilty glory glows,
read more

Where may the wearied eye repose,
When gazing on the Great;
Where neither guilty glory glows,
Nor despicable state?
Yes--one the first, the last, the best,
The Cincinnatus of the West
Whom envy dared not hate,
Bequeathed the name of Washington
To make man blush; there was but one.

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his
countrymen.

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his
countrymen.

A nobleness to try for,
A name to live and die for.

A nobleness to try for,
A name to live and die for.

Simple and brave, his faith awoke
Ploughmen to struggle with their fate;
Armies won battles when he read more

Simple and brave, his faith awoke
Ploughmen to struggle with their fate;
Armies won battles when he spoke,
And out of Chaos sprang the state.

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."

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his fellow
citizens.

First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his fellow
citizens.

His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content read more

His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content to wear the higher crown of worth,
While time endures, "First citizen of earth."