He stood — the noble Lincoln — calm, though, sad, About to part from those with whom he lived So many years in sweetest amity. Before him prospects which might well appal
The stoutest heart. His country, fondly cherished, But erst so great and fair, the humbled victim Of black traitors’ arts, and on the verge Of fearful ruin's widely yawning gulf.
While recollections of domestic bliss, Such as but few enjoy, might well indeed Make him quite loth to leave his much loved home. With steady eye he views the concourse vast,
Big thoughts fast welling from his inmost soul Too big for utterance. Yet a few choice words Steal forth and fall upon attentive ears: “Here have I lived for many, many years;
Here were my children born, and one beneath The graveyard sod rests now in death, at peace! I know not when each dear familiar face Now left behind may glad my eyes again;
But this I know — a duty greater far Than ever fell to man since Washington Held Governmental reins, now falls to me. Without God's aid he never could have known
Success. Upon that Being placed he still His firm reliance, and succeeded well. Succeed I cannot without aid Divine Imparted to me in this hour of need.
I place in God my trust; and oh, my friends, Pray you for me that I may have His help! Then shall success, such as we well may crave, Be mine for certain in this crisis dread.
I bid you all affectionate farewell.” This heard with throbbing hearts the gazing throng; And, deeply moved within their bosom's depths, Responded soon, “We will all pray for you!”
Upon this scene might Angels fondly gaze, And place‘ t on record in high Heaven's archives, That Lincoln, feeling his own weakness much, His burden cast upon the Lord of all.
Go thus, thou chosen one, and firmly stand For Truth and Freedom in the Halls of State! Let no time-serving policy be thine; But, placing round thee men of sterling worth,
Grasp tight the reins of Constitutional sway. If go they will, let dupes of Slavery go, And reap the baneful fruit they've nurtured long. In this they'll find a certain, speedy cure,
For madness such as they have always shown. Go, Lincoln, then, and if Canadians’ prayers May aught avail, thou may'st their prayers command.
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