Hail, honored hero of the East and West! Of stubborn purpose and of single heart! Soul for thy country's service set apart! Today by Freedom's lips thy name is blessed: Today thou art a grateful nation's guest: Today that single syllable, thy name, Is written in our hearts: this is thy fame. We bid thee welcome to thy well-earned rest. We praise the Providence that thee sustained; That gave thee counsel when man's counsel failed; That sheltered thee where murderous missiles rained, And shielded thee when violence assailed. Our greatest soldier, yet with least pretence; Simple in speech, sublime in common-sense. |