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Had he companioned Columbus; he would not have been one of those who murmured and besought the great Admiral to turn back; but would have counseled; 〃On! On! It is of little matter whether any one man fails or succeeds; but the cause shall not fail; for it is the cause of mankind。〃 I can see him with the voyageurs of New France; exploring the Canadian Wilderness; and the rivers and forests of the North west。 I can see him with Lasalle; beaming with exultation as they looked on the waters of the Mississippi; and I can think of no battle for man's welfare in which he would not have felt at home。 But he would have taken equal; perhaps greater; delight in meeting the authors; sages; and statesmen; whose words were his daily joy; and whose deeds were his study and incentive。 I can hear him question Thucydides for further details as to the collapse of the Athenians at Syracuse; or cross…examine Herodotus for information of some of his incredible but fascinating stories。 What hours he would have spent in confabulation with Gibbon! What secrets he would have learned; without asking questions; from Napoleon and Cavour!
His interest embraced them all; some of them he could have taught; many of them would have welcomed him as their peer。 As he mixed with high and low in his lifetime; so would it have been in the past; and so will it be in the future; if he has gone into a world where personal identity continues; and the spiritual standards and ideals of this world persist。 But yesterday; he seemed one who embodied Life to the utmost。 With the assured step of one whom nothing can frighten or surprise; he walked our earth; as on granite。 Suddenly; the granite grew more unsubstantial than a bubble; and he dropped beyond sight into the Eternal Silence。 Happy we who had such a friend! Happy the American Republic which bore such a son!
THE END