Then rising afar in the western sea, A new world stood in the morn of the day, Who could wrench out the heart and march away Where the poor are held by a cruel bit, Steadily steering, eagerly peering, Pilgrims and strangers, fronting all dangers, They whittled and waded through forest and fen, Pouring out life for the nurture of men; To fill empty stomachs and straighten bent backs. 1 The letter: the letter of the Scriptures. 2 Deuteronomy: the Book of Deuteronomy is largely made up of rules and regulations for the government of the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land; some of these rules relate to the management of domestic affairs. Swift to take chances that end in the dollar, Then, slow and sure, as the oaks have grown ROBERT COLLYER. (Read at the New England dinner in commemoration of the Landing of the Pilgrims, Dec. 22, 1879.) 1 Jonathan: i.e. "Brother Jonathan." During the early part of the Revolutionary War General Washington placed great reliance in the good judgment of Governor Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut. In emergencies he was often heard to say, half humorously, "We must consult Brother Jonathan." From this fact some authorities suppose the name of "Jonathan" came, in time, to designate the American people. Others think it was derived from Captain Jonathan Carver, an American traveller among the Indians before the Revolution, whom the aborigines were accustomed to call "Our dear brother Jonathan." 2 John: i.e. “ John Bull"; a nickname occurring first in Arbuthnot's satirical "History of John Bull," 1713. He applied it in ridicule to the famous Duke of Marlborough; later, it came to designate the English nation. DECORATION.1 "Manibus date lilia plenis." 2 'MID the flower-wreathed tombs I stand, Comrades! in what soldier-grave Is it he who sank to rest With his colors round his breast? One low grave, yon trees beneath, Never gleamed a prouder eye Never foot had firmer tread On the field where hope lay dead, Than are hid within this tomb, 1 Compare Bryant's fine poem "The Conqueror's Grave." 2 Strew lilies with generous hands. |