William McKinley

Died September 14, 1901.

Calm face, cast in the ancient Roman mold;
     Firm lips, responsive to their master’s will,
     That could be eloquent, or stern and still,
By the o’er-mastering intellect controlled;
Clear, steady eyes, that seemed to seize and hold
     Men’s inmost thoughts. O voice that once could thrill
     The waiting multitude, can grim Death chill
Thy long-felt power? Can that warm heart grow cold?

Mourn for the time-tried Leader ye have lost—
     The fearless helmsman of the Ship of State;
     Martyr to duty, master of his fate—
He has found harbor, he, the tempest-tossed.
     Thro’ melting mists of prejudice and hate
     The man’s strong soul stands bare—too late, too late!

     Philadelphia, September 14, 1901.