[3] In "Curiosities of Popular Customs."

[4] "General Washington."

[5] Introduction to "George Washington."




I

THE DAY


WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY[6]

BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES


Welcome to the day returning,
Dearer still as ages flow,
While the torch of Faith is burning,
Long as Freedom's altars glow!
See the hero whom it gave us
Slumbering on a mother's breast;
For the arm he stretched to save us
Be its morn forever blest!

Vain is empire's mad temptation!
Not for him an earthly crown!