Chapter XV: The Solemn Pageant

Preparations for the funeral of the
President.—Embalmment.—Accession of Gen. Arthur.—The
post-mortem.—Astonishing revelations.—Announcement of the
President’s death.—The funeral train.—En route for
Washington.—Lying in state.—Victoria’s tribute.—Address of
Elder Powers.—Viewing the body.—The train for
Cleveland.—Reception and preparations.—Imposing
ceremonies.—The last day.—Closing scenes and addresses.—The
sepulchre.—Reflections. 646–672

DEATHLESS.

_This man hath reared a monument more grand
Than sculptured bronze, and loftier than the height
Of regal pyramids in Memphian sand,
Which not the raging tempest nor the might
Of the loud North-wind shall assailing blight,
Nor years unnumbered nor the lapse of time!
Not all of him shall perish! for the bright
And deathless part shall spurn with foot sublime
The darkness of the grave—the dread and sunless clime!_

_He shall be sung to all posterity
With freshening praise, where in the morning’s glow
The farm-boy with his harnessed team shall be,
And where New England’s swifter rivers flow
And orange groves of Alabama blow—
Strong in humility, and great to lead
A mighty people where the ages go!
Take then thy station, O illustrious dead!
And place, Immortal Fame, the garland on his head!_
—HORACE: B. III., ODE XXX.

LIFE AND WORK

OF

JAMES A. GARFIELD.