Abraham Lincoln: January First, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-Three

Abraham Lincoln January First, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-Three W. D. GALLAGHER Stand like an anvil, when 'tis beaten With the full vigor of the smith's right arm! Stand like the noble oak-tree, when 'tis eaten By the Saperda and his ravenous swarm! For many smiths will strike the ringing blows, Ere the red drama now enacting close; And human insects, gnawing at thy fame, Conspire to bring thy honored head to shame. Stand like the firmament, upholden By an invisible but Almighty hand! He whomsoever JUSTICE doth embolden, Unshaken, unseduced, unawed shall stand. Invisible support is mightier far, With noble aims, than walls of granite are; And simple consciousness of justice gives Strength to a purpose while that purpose lives. Stand like the rock that looks defiant Far o'er the surging seas that lash its form! Composed, determined, watchful, self-reliant, Be master of thyself, and rule the storm! And thou shalt soon behold the bow of peace Span the broad heavens, and the wild tumult cease; And see the billows, with the clouds that meet, Subdued and calm, come crouching to thy feet. Kentucky, December, 1862 100 ...