The great, the good, the just, the true, <br />Has yielded up his latest breath; <br />The noblest man our country knew, <br />Bows to the ghastly monster, Death <br />The son of one whose deathless name <br />Stands first on history's brightest page; <br />The highest on the list of fame <br />As statesman, patriot, and sage. <br /> <br /> <br />In early youth he learned to prize <br />The freedom which his father won; <br />The mantle of the patriot sire, <br />Descended on his mightier son. <br />Science, her deepest hidden lore <br />Beneath his potent touch revealed; <br />Philosophy's abundant store, <br />Alike his mighty mind could wield. <br /> <br /> <br />The brilliant page of poetry <br />Received additions from his pen, <br />Of holy truth and purity, <br />And thoughts which rouse the souls of men! <br />Eloquence did his heart inspire, <br />And from his lips in glory blazed, <br />Till nations caught the glowing fire, <br />And senates trembled as they praised! <br /> <br /> <br />While all the recreant of the land <br />To slavery's idol bowed the knee - <br />A fawning, sycophantic band, <br />Fit tools of petty tyranny - <br />He stood amid the recreant throng, <br />The chosen champion of the free, <br />And battled fearlessly and long <br />For justice, right, and liberty. <br /> <br /> <br />What though grim Death has sealed his doom <br />Who faithful proved to God and us; <br />And slavery, o'er the patriot's tomb <br />Exulting, pours its deadliest curse; <br />Among the virtuous and free <br />His memory will ever live; <br />Champion of right and liberty, <br />The blessings, truth and virtue give.<br /><br />James Monroe Whitfield<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lines-on-the-death-of-john-quincy-adams/
