Night was hastening on. I clambered up the embankment, and plucked a few green leaves from a branch that hung over the tomb; gazed once more, and yet again, within the enclosure; then turned away, and hastened to overtake my companions, who were far in advance.
If our country is ever called to pass through another struggle, may
God, in his wisdom, raise up for it another Washington!
The sun had passed the horizon, and the cool evening air, laden with the fragrance of shrubbery and flowers, gathered about us. A lively squirrel sprang across our path; a belated bird flew by; and, amid the pleasant, quiet scenes of rural life, we wended our way homeward.
FREEDOM'S GATHERING.
I SEEMED to live beyond the present time;
Methought it was when all the world was free,
And myriad numbers, from each distant clime,
Came up to hold their annual jubilee.
From distant China, Afric's sunburnt shore,
From Greenland's icebergs, Russia's broad domain,
They came as men whom fetters bound no more,
And trod New England's valley, hill, and plain.
They met to hold a jubilee, for all
Were free from error's chain, and from the oppressor's thrall.
Word had gone forth that slavery's power was done;
The cry like wild-fire through the nations ran;
Russia's tame serf, and Afric's sable son,