A Soul was stirred as one thro’ blinding tears
Rehearsed a tale of want and cruel wrong;
Keen indignation banished doubts and fears;
The purpose of imperial youth grew strong.
A Voice was heard: “Alas! that on the side
Of sin and mad oppression there is power,
But we will change all this, if God so aid ":—
And Maine's new freedom dated from that hour.
A Life was given; fraught with noble deeds;—
Aflame with words of truth, and tireless zeal,
And boldness for the right that gave no heed
To threatening hate, or sycophant's appeal.
But men decried the fervor of that Soul,
And would have hushed the Voice that pleaded still
Against the oppressors’ power, and such control
As brought them gain, all others loss and ill.
And men denounced that Life; and where it came
Ofttimes their scoffings tainted the sweet air,
As with malicious scorn they hailed a name
That calumny itself left clean and fair.
And now that Soul hath entered into rest;
That Voice is silent, and that peerless Life
Hath crossed the threshold where the good and blest
Enter, and cease from sorrow, toil and strife.
O Life and Voice and Soul! O princely one!
Our loyal hearts send greeting to thee now;
Thy name has lighted near a century gone,—
‘ Twill brighten ages yet to come, Neal Dow.