Library of the best American literature / Containing the lives of our authors in story form, their portraits, their homes, and their personal traits, how they worked and what they wrote; choice selections from eminent writers, embracing great American poets and novelists, foremost women in American letters, distinguished critics and essayists, our national humorists, noted journalists and magazine contributors, popular writers for young people, great orators and public lecturers

by Unknown

How could he mark thee for the silent tomb;

My proud boy, Absalom!

“Cold is thy brow, my son! and I am chill

As to my bosom I have tried to press thee—

How was I wont to feel my pulses thrill,

Like a rich harp string, yearning to caress thee—

And hear thy sweet ‘My father,’ from these dumb

And cold lips, Absalom!

“The grave hath won thee. I shall hear the gush

Of music, and the voices of the young: