Poems (Waldenburg)/William Cassidy
In Memoriam.
WILLIAM CASSIDY.
"High thoughts and amiable words
And courtliness and the desire of fame
And love of truth and all that makes a man,"
Was good King Arthur's model long ago!
And we of centuries later in our midst
But yesterday could point to such an one.
O Death! Could'st thou not pass him by?
Our need was great in this wild time
When the grand name of Gentleman
Is so assoiled, dishonored. When noble
Deeds and gentle courtesies are pushed aside
In the mad rush for victory and gain!
We need his nature, and the calm, clear words
That rolled across the riotous sea political
And to the angry billows said—be still!
That broke through prejudice and narrow views
Alike of Church or State and freely gave
To clouded minds a wider liberal thought,
And courtliness and the desire of fame
And love of truth and all that makes a man,"
Was good King Arthur's model long ago!
And we of centuries later in our midst
But yesterday could point to such an one.
O Death! Could'st thou not pass him by?
Our need was great in this wild time
When the grand name of Gentleman
Is so assoiled, dishonored. When noble
Deeds and gentle courtesies are pushed aside
In the mad rush for victory and gain!
We need his nature, and the calm, clear words
That rolled across the riotous sea political
And to the angry billows said—be still!
That broke through prejudice and narrow views
Alike of Church or State and freely gave
To clouded minds a wider liberal thought,
His tender heart
And charities won from the masses
Reverence and love. Opponents found
His pen had diamond point, which with
Incisive word, cut through the subject
Deep into the core. With cultured glance
Across the world, he caught its tongues
And drew into our own their silver thoughts
For our delight and profit.
The social life
Which knew him nearer, dearer,
His thoughtful countenance, his glowing words,
His noble form that moved among them
Courteously kind, shall mourn
His presence in the years to come!
The earnest lips
And tender words are hushed forevermore!
The solemn service of the minster chaunted,
His form borne forth from out our gaze
Into the silent keeping of our earth is given.
Strew flowers and tears and tender memories,
Thus leave him!
O Christ, thou crucified, receive him!
And charities won from the masses
Reverence and love. Opponents found
His pen had diamond point, which with
Incisive word, cut through the subject
Deep into the core. With cultured glance
Across the world, he caught its tongues
And drew into our own their silver thoughts
For our delight and profit.
The social life
Which knew him nearer, dearer,
His thoughtful countenance, his glowing words,
His noble form that moved among them
Courteously kind, shall mourn
His presence in the years to come!
The earnest lips
And tender words are hushed forevermore!
The solemn service of the minster chaunted,
His form borne forth from out our gaze
Into the silent keeping of our earth is given.
Strew flowers and tears and tender memories,
Thus leave him!
O Christ, thou crucified, receive him!