Presidents Day Hawaii: 'The Grave of Washington' 1849

The Grave of Washington, by E.B.M., a passenger on board the Leland

Published in The Friend, Honolulu: April, 1849

In the land of our homes, far away o'er the ocean,

Where liberty's banner waves proudly on high,

Whose name stirs the fount of the hearts deep emotion,

The bright flush of hope, or fond memory's sigh.

That land holds a spot , ever scared in story,

Since he who now rests there-the good and the brave-

First planted that banner, still waving in glory,

While he sleeps securely-'tis Washington's grave.

Oh! fierce was the din of the battle, wild raging,

And darkly war's cloud on our loved country rose,

He scattered the bands, in stern conflict engaging,

And drove from her borders, her merciless foes,

When the first dawn of freedom was over her gleaming,

The might of his strength to her councils he gave,

'Till that sun rose in brightness, whose rays are now beaming,

In noon-tide's full splendor on Washington's grave.

Far away in the shades of Mount Vernon he sleepeth,

His labours are over, his victory won,

His spirit hath risen to God, who still keepeth

The life which He gave, and recalled as His own.

The angel of peace guards his slumbers so lowly,

Above him the laural and cypress boughs wave;

In the heart of each freeman, that spot is deemed holy-

The shrine of a nation is Washington's grave.

And we, while the billows around us are heaving,

Though far from our homes and loved country we stray,

Will raise our glad voices, in gratitude weaving,

A tribute of praise on this festival day.

The incense of love on the heart's altar burning,

Shall be kindled anew, in fond memory turning.

From the deck of the 'Leland' to Washington's grave.