he had played so great a part was closing.

Washington stands among the greatest men of human history, and
those in the same rank with him are very few. Whether measured by
what he did, or what he was, or by the effect of his work upon
the history of mankind, in every aspect he is entitled to the
place he holds among the greatest of his race. Few men in all
time have such a record of achievement. Still fewer can show at
the end of a career so crowded with high deeds and memorable
victories a life so free from spot, a character so unselfish and
so pure, a fame so void of doubtful points demanding either
defense or explanation. Eulogy of such a life is needless, but it
is always important to recall and to freshly remember just what
manner of man he was. In the first place he was physically a
striking figure. He was very tall, powerfully made, with a
strong, handsome face. He was remarkably muscular and powerful.
As a boy he was a leader in all outdoor sports. No one could
fling the bar further than he, and no one could ride more
difficult horses. As a young man he became a woodsman and hunter.
Day after day he could tramp through the wilderness with his gun
and his surveyor's chain, and then sleep at night beneath the
stars. He feared no exposure or fatigue, and outdid the hardiest
backwoodsman in following a winter trail and swimming icy
streams. This habit of vigorous bodily exercise he carried
through life. Whenever he was at Mount Vernon he gave a large
part of his time to fox-hunting, riding after his hounds through
the most difficult country. His physical power and endurance
counted for much in his success when he commanded his army, and
when the heavy anxieties of general and president weighed upon
his mind and heart.