Sheet Music from May. 1, 1865

The President's grave

  • Full Title

    The President's grave

  • Description

    Work for vocal quartet and piano associated with the Union side. Part of the Library of Congress Civil War Sheet Music Collection.

  • Transcription

    Verse 1
    Be silent! there cometh on spirit wings sped,
    The wail of a nation in grief for the dead;
    The strong and the mighty, from glory and light,
    Hath waned in his brightness and left us in night;
    The proud eagle banners all droopingly wave,
    And the wild wings are hushed round the President's grave.
    And the wild winds are hushed round the President's grave.

    Verse 2
    A deep brooding sorrow comes over the heart
    A moan like the tempest, when summers depart,
    A gushing of anguish, unbroken and still,
    As tolleth the requiem o'er valley and hill;
    The sun that rose bright o'er the free and the brave
    Now is setting in gloom o'er the President's grave.
    Now is setting in gloom o'er the President's grave.

    Verse 3
    Be silent! our father hath laid him to rest,
    A hero of battles hath yielded his crest,
    A statesman hath fallen, his counsels are o'er,
    His firmness and wisdom shall guide us no more:
    Let cannon boom forth and the banners all wave,
    While we mingle our tears o'er the President's grave.
    While we mingle our tears o'er the President's grave.

  • Source

    Library of Congress Classification M1640.M

  • Rights

    Public Domain. Suggested credit line: Civil War Sheet Music Collection, Library of Congress, Music Division.

  • Tags

  • Cite this Item

    Miller, L. B. (composer); Babbitt, Edwin S. (lyricist). "The President's grave". Chicago: Root & Cady, 1865. Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/1035