Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ABRAHAM LINCOLN; ASSASSINATED GOOD FRIDAY, 1865, by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN


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ABRAHAM LINCOLN; ASSASSINATED GOOD FRIDAY, 1865, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Forgive them, for they know not what they do!'
Last Line: So let it smite, such deeds shall be no more!
Subject(s): Assassination; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


"FORGIVE them, for they know not what they do!"
He said, and so went shriven to his fate, --
Unknowing went, that generous heart and true.
Even while he spoke, the slayer lay in wait,
And when the morning opened Heaven's gate
There passed the whitest soul a nation knew.
Henceforth all thoughts of pardon are too late;
They, in whose cause that arm it weapon drew,
Have murdered Mercy. Now alone shall stand
Blind Justice, with the sword unsheathed she wore.
Hark, from the eastern to the western strand,
The swelling thunder of the people's roar:
What words they murmur, -- Fetter not her hand!
So let it smite, such deeds shall be no more!





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