The Life and Work of James A. Garfield, Twentieth President of the United States / Embracing an Account of the Scenes and Incidents of His Boyhood; the Struggles of His Youth; the Might of His Early Manhood; His Valor As a Soldier; His Career As a Statesman; His Election to the Presidency; and the Tragic Story of His Death.

by John Clark Ridpath

A wasp flew out upon our fairest son,

And stung him to the quick with poisoned shaft,

The while he chatted carelessly and laughed,

And knew not of the fateful mischief done.

And so this life, amid our love begun,

Envenomed by the insect’s hellish craft,

Was drunk by Death in one long feverish draught,

And he was lost—our precious, priceless one!

Oh, mystery of blind, remorseless fate!

Oh, cruel end of a most causeless hate!