Mrs. Benjamin Harrison. Washington, October 25,
The poem is a tribute to Caroline Scott Harrison, the wife of President Benjamin Harrison. It describes her life and legacy, highlighting her kindness, generosity, and dedication to public service. The poem also touches on her untimely death in 1892, which was a significant loss for her family and the nation.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Lyric · 215 words
First lines
Now utter calm and rest; Hands folded o'er the breast In peace the placidest, All trials past; All fever soothed -- all pain Annulled in heart and brain, Never to vex again -- She sleeps at last.
She sleeps; but O most dear And best beloved of her Ye sleep not -- nay, nor stir, Save but to bow The closer each to each, With sobs and broken speech, That all in vain beseech Her answer now.
And lo! we weep with you, One grief the wide world through: Yet with the faith she knew We see her still, Even as here she stood -- All that was pure and good And sweet in womanhood -- God's will her will.
What this Textopian page supports
Mrs. Benjamin Harrison. Washington, October 25, 1892 is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Lyric, Religious
- Length: 215 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on death and mourning, typical of an elegy, expressing sorrow and lamentation.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on themes of loss and remembrance, aligning with the lyric genre.
- Religious — The poem references faith and divine will, indicating a religious or spiritual dimension.
Tags
Poem · Elegy · Lyrical · Nostalgic · Autobiographical · Historical · Biographical · American · 19th Century · Literary · Verse · Free Verse