So breaks the morning of this sombre day.
Droop, droop, O starry banner! for thy pride
Is all forgot in tears; while here beside
His bier who was her hope, her strength, her stay,
America goes mourning on her way;
Bowed down with horror at the death he died,
Struck by the insensate hate that crept and lied—
A coward and a curse—to smite and slay.

Nor yet his noble task is wholly done.
He who lived worthily, and so did die
That every voice lifts up his name on high,
Shines in the firmament of fame—a Sun
Whose light not all the hate of earth or hell
For one brief moment can have power to quell.