But whatever our fate—to enjoy or endure—
To quote from great Webster, 'The past is secure;'
So I would to-night move a vote of warm thanks,
To the living and dead who commanded our ranks;
To our enemies, who, in their short busy stay,
Did all that they could, to encumber our way;
Who postured and crouched in their poisonous slime,
Becoming step-ladders, on which we could climb;
Who told our worst faults, and then lied themselves hoarse,
And spurred us along with their tongues, in our course;