Richard Watson Gilder on Memorial Day
1844–1909 United States
← All quotes by Richard Watson Gilder
3 quotes
None who e'er knew her can believe her dead;
Though, should she die, they deem it well might be
Her spirit took its everlasting flight
In summer's glory, by the sunset sea,
That onward through the Golden Gate is fled.
Ah, where that bright soul is cannot be night.
What if thou be saint or sinner,
Crooked gray-beard, straight beginner,—
Empty paunch, or jolly dinner,
When Death thee shall call.
All alike are rich and richer,
King with crown, and cross-legged stitcher,
When the grave hides all.
Drinking Song, as reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922)
Ye living soldiers of the mighty war,
Once more from roaring cannon and the drums
And bugles blown at morn, the summons comes;
Forgot the halting limb, each wound and scar:
Once more your Captain calls to you;
Come to his last review!