In elder Greece, where fostering liberty
Nursed kindling Genius to adventure high,
Some master-hand achieved this urn of grace,
Within whose storied orb we fondly place
One precious ringlet from the sacred head
Of him, to more than Grecian virtue bred,
Who for his struggling country freedom won,
Heroic, self-controlling Washington!
Stranger! doth charm of art thy soul inspire,
Yet more, doth freedom's flame thy bosom fire?
Then own that votary's hand did ne'er consign
A dearer relic to a worthier shrine.