Down along the vale of years
A Lincoln or Grady sometimes appears,
With grandest qualities in man combined,
Kind in heart and great in mind.
So great in mind, so kind in heart,
That dignity bears but little part;
We love him because we understand
Goodness and greatness go hand in hand.
Though mid stars his name be lined,
His love grows deeper for all mankind;
Though with jewels his crown be set,
That he is our friend we never forget.
Counting it all, the heart is the gate,
And only through love can greatness be great;
The greatest of names we have written above
On fame's blazing scroll are written by love.
