childhood's day of frolic; the fair young daughter; the sturdy sons just

springing into closest companionship, claiming every day and every day rewarding

a father's love and care; and in his heart the eager, rejoicing power to meet

all demand. Before him, desolation and great darkness! And his soul was not

shaken. His countrymen were thrilled with instant, profound and universal

sympathy. Masterful in his mortal weakness, he became the centre of a nation's

love, enshrined in the prayers of a world. But all the love and all the sympathy

could not share with him his suffering. He trod the wine press alone. With

unfaltering front he faced death. With unfailing tenderness he took leave of

life. Above the demoniac hiss of the assassin's bullet he heard the voice of

God. With simple resignation he bowed to the Divine decree.

 

--JAMES G. BLAINE, delivered at the memorial service held by the U.S. Senate and

House of Representatives.

 

_EULOGY OF LEE_

 

(Extract)

 

At the bottom of all true heroism is unselfishness. Its crowning expression is

sacrifice. The world is suspicious of vaunted heroes. But when the true hero has

come, and we know that here he is in verity, ah! how the hearts of men leap

forth to greet him! how worshipfully we welcome God's noblest work--the strong,

honest, fearless, upright man. In Robert Lee was such a hero vouchsafed to us

and to mankind, and whether we behold him declining command of the federal army