STERN be the pilot in the dreadful hour When a great nation, like a ship at sea With the wroth breakers whitening at her lee, Feels her last shudder if her helmsman cower; A godlike manhood be his mighty dower! Such and so gifted, Lincoln, mayst thou be With thy high wisdom's low simplicity And awful tenderness of voted power. From our hot records then thy name shall stand On Time's calm ledger out of passionate days -- With the pure debt of gratitude begun, One of the many of a mighty Land, Made by God's providence the Anointed One. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOUR QUARTETS: BURNT NORTON by THOMAS STEARNS ELIOT TALES OF A WAYSIDE INN: THE FIRST DAY: PAUL REVERE'S RIDE [APRIL 1775] by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW WRAITH by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY THE BAYADERE by FRANCIS SALTUS SALTUS AN EVOCATION by AUGUSTE ANGELLIER ON THE PRAIRIE by HERBERT BATES |