Robert Leighton: Ode, May 5, 1865

Robert Leighton: Ode

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

“Sic semper tyrannis!” the assassin cried, As Lincoln fell. O villian! who than he More lived to set both slave and tyrant free? Or so enrapt with plans of freedom died, That even thy treacherous deed shall glance aside And do the dead man’s will by land and sea; Win bloodless battles, and make that to be Which to his living mandate was denied! Peace to that gentle heart! The peace he sought For all mankind, nor for it dies in vain. Rest to the uncrowned king, who, toiling, brought His bleeding country through that dreadful reign; Who, living, earn’d a world’s revering thought, And, dying, leaves his name without a stain.