By the Sea, and Other Verses

<h2><SPAN name="NEAL_DOW" id="NEAL_DOW">NEAL DOW</SPAN></h2> <p class="title">WRITTEN FOR A MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE</p> <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">A Soul was stirred as one thro' blinding tears<br/></span> <span class="i2">Rehearsed a tale of want and cruel wrong;<br/></span> <span class="i0">Keen indignation banished doubts and fears;<br/></span> <span class="i2">The purpose of imperial youth grew strong.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">A Voice was heard: "Alas! that on the side<br/></span> <span class="i2">Of sin and mad oppression there is power,<br/></span> <span class="i0">But we will change all this, if God so aid":&mdash;<br/></span> <span class="i2">And Maine's new freedom dated from that hour.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">A Life was given; fraught with noble deeds;&mdash;<br/></span><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</SPAN></span> <span class="i2">Aflame with words of truth, and tireless zeal,<br/></span> <span class="i0">And boldness for the right that gave no heed<br/></span> <span class="i2">To threatening hate, or sycophant's appeal.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">But men decried the fervor of that Soul,<br/></span> <span class="i2">And would have hushed the Voice that pleaded still<br/></span> <span class="i0">Against the oppressors' power, and such control<br/></span> <span class="i2">As brought <i>them</i> gain, all others loss and ill.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">And men denounced that Life; and where it came<br/></span> <span class="i2">Ofttimes their scoffings tainted the sweet air,<br/></span> <span class="i0">As with malicious scorn they hailed a name<br/></span> <span class="i2">That calumny itself left clean and fair.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">And now that Soul hath entered into rest;<br/></span> <span class="i2">That Voice is silent, and that peerless Life<br/></span> <span class="i0">Hath crossed the threshold where the good and blest<br/></span> <span class="i2">Enter, and cease from sorrow, toil and strife.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">O Life and Voice and Soul! O princely one!<br/></span> <span class="i2">Our loyal hearts send greeting to thee now;<br/></span> <span class="i0">Thy name has lighted near a century gone,&mdash;<br/></span> <span class="i2">'Twill brighten ages yet to come, Neal Dow.<br/></span></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />