Poems (Waldenburg)/William Cassidy

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In Memoriam.


WILLIAM CASSIDY.
"High thoughts and amiable wordsAnd courtliness and the desire of fameAnd love of truth and all that makes a man,"Was good King Arthur's model long ago!And we of centuries later in our midstBut yesterday could point to such an one.O Death! Could'st thou not pass him by?Our need was great in this wild timeWhen the grand name of GentlemanIs so assoiled, dishonored. When nobleDeeds and gentle courtesies are pushed asideIn the mad rush for victory and gain!We need his nature, and the calm, clear wordsThat rolled across the riotous sea politicalAnd to the angry billows said—be still!That broke through prejudice and narrow viewsAlike of Church or State and freely gaveTo clouded minds a wider liberal thought,
His tender heartAnd charities won from the massesReverence and love. Opponents found ​His pen had diamond point, which withIncisive word, cut through the subjectDeep into the core. With cultured glanceAcross the world, he caught its tonguesAnd drew into our own their silver thoughtsFor our delight and profit.          The social lifeWhich knew him nearer, dearer,His thoughtful countenance, his glowing words,His noble form that moved among themCourteously kind, shall mournHis presence in the years to come!          The earnest lipsAnd tender words are hushed forevermore!The solemn service of the minster chaunted,His form borne forth from out our gazeInto the silent keeping of our earth is given.Strew flowers and tears and tender memories,Thus leave him!O Christ, thou crucified, receive him!

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