Life in inglorious sloth—to sport a while

Amid the flowers, or on the summer wave.

Then, fleet like the Ephemeron, away,

Building no temple in her children's hearts,

Save to the vanity and pride of life

Which she had worship'd.

For the might that clothed

The "Pater Patria"—for the glorious deeds

That make Mount Vernon's tomb a Mecca shrine

For all the earth, what thanks to thee are due.