William McKinley

CLOSE to the shadow of God’s throne,
     And clinging to God’s arm of might—
To him in early youth made known—
     A godly man, a blameless knight;
On his white shield of truth engrossed
The symbol of the Christian host.

So passed he here—God’s gracious will
     Making his own. When duty called
To serve his country, or to fill
     Her highest station, unappalled.
Serene—sublime—e’en when must come
By the assassin’s hand his doom.

God grant this martyr’s blood may prove
     A healing balm to cure dissent!
Rulers and ruled, in faith and love,
     To our just laws obedient;
And this beloved land henceforth
     Owned by all nations chief of earth!