The Funeral Hymn of Lincoln
Rest, noble martyr! rest in peace;
Rest with the true and brave,
Who, like thee, fell in freedom's cause,
The nation's life to save.
Thy name shall live while time endures,
And men shall say of thee,
"He saved his country from its foes,
And bade the slave be free."
These deeds shall be thy monument,
Better than brass or stone;
They leave thy fame in glory's light,
Unrival'd and alone.
This consecrated spot shall be
To freedom ever dear;
And freedom's sons of every race
Shall weep and worship here.
O God! before whom we, in tears,
Our fallen chief deplore,
Grant that the cause for which he died
May live forevermore.
Harriet McEwen Kimball, born at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, November, 1834. Educated there; specially known as a religious poet, although she has written much secular verse; chief founder of the Portsmouth Cottage Hospital. Author hymns, Swallow Flights; Blessed Company of All Faithful People; Poems (complete edition), 1889.