Oh, slow to smit and swift to spare, br Gentle and merciful and just! br Who, in the fear of God, didst bear br The sword of power, a nation's trust! br br In sorrow by thy bier we stand, br Amid the awe that hushes all, br And speak the anguish of a land br That shook with horror at thy fall. br br Thy task is done; the bond of free; br We bear thee to an honored grave, br Whose proudest monument shall be br The broken fetters of the slave. br br Pure was thy life; its bloddy close br Hath placed thee with the sons of light, br Among the noble host of those br Who perished in the cause of Right.