Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HYMN: CELEBRATION LAYING CORNER-STONE HARVARD MEMORIAL HALL, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES



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HYMN: CELEBRATION LAYING CORNER-STONE HARVARD MEMORIAL HALL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not with the anguish of hearts that are breaking
Last Line: Crowned with the dome that is over us all!
Subject(s): Harvard University


NOT with the anguish of hearts that are breaking
Come we as mourners to weep for our dead;
Grief in our breasts has grown weary of aching,
Green is the turf where our tears we have shed.

While o'er their marbles the mosses are creeping,
Stealing each name and its legend away,
Give their proud story to Memory's keeping,
Shrined in the temple we hallow to-day.

Hushed are their battle-fields, ended their marches,
Deaf are their ears to the drum-beat of morn, --
Rise from the sod, ye fair columns and arches!
Tell their bright deeds to the ages unborn!

Emblem and legend may fade from the portal,
Keystone may crumble and pillar may fall;
They were the builders whose work is immortal,
Crowned with the dome that is over us all!





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