What worth had virtue, if life were reckoned,

With matter's glimmering spark as checked?

Thou first Gustavus! Thou Great, the second!

Thou free and valiant Engelbrekt!

And all ye sage,

And ye tender hearted,

Extolled an age—

Or forgot departed!

What worth had wisdom and heart and fame,

If but the graveyard had been your aim?

[Pg 40]

What worth had honor, whose voice imposes:

For love of duty your life to spend,—

If on the favors, foul mob disposes

By fouler leaders, she did depend?

Now beam her features

With peace depicted,

Though time's mere creatures

A sigh inflicted;

For dust of time cannot soil that street

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