While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er
Shall sink while there's an echo left to air.

While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er
Shall sink while there's an echo left to air.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Were an energetic and judicious system to be proposed with your
signature it would be a circumstance highly honorable read more

Were an energetic and judicious system to be proposed with your
signature it would be a circumstance highly honorable to your
fame . . . and doubly entitle you to the glorious republican
epithet,
The Father of your Country.

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.

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."