In business dext’rous, weighty in debate,
Near fifty years he labor’d for the state.
In every speech persuasive wisdom flow’d,
In every act refulgent virtue glow’d;
Suspended faction ceased from rage and strife,
To hear his eloquence and praise his life.
Resistless merit fixed the Members’ choice,
Who hail’d him Speaker with united voice.’
His talents ripening with advancing years—
His wisdom growing with his public cares—