EPITAPH
ON LEVI LINCOLN THAXTER
Born in Watertown, Massachusetts, February 1, 1824.
Died May 31, 1884.
Mr. Thaxter was early a student of Browning's genius and in his later years gave readings from his poems, which were singularly interpretative. The boulder over his grave bears these lines.
Thou, whom these eyes saw never! Say friends true
Who say my soul, helped onward by my song,
Though all unwittingly, has helped thee too?
I gave of but the little that I knew:
How were the gift requited, while along
Life's path I pace, couldst thou make weakness strong!
Help me with knowledge—for Life's Old—Death's New!
R. B. to L. L. T., April, 1885.