[9] Limiting by his foresight the extent of his loss, guarding by his disposition security of retreat, and repairing with celerity the injury sustained, his relative condition was often ameliorated, although victory adorned the brow of his adversary.--LEE, _Memoirs_, Vol. I, p. 237. * * * * * WASHINGTON AT TRENTON[10] _The Battle Monument, October 19, 1893_ BY RICHARD WATSON GILDER Since ancient Time began Ever on some great soul God laid an infinite burden-- The weight of all this world, the hopes of man. Conflict and pain, and fame immortal are his guerdon! And this the unfaltering token Of him, the Deliverer--what though tempests beat, Though all else fail, though bravest ranks be broken, He stands unscared, alone, nor ever knows defeat Such was that man of men; And if are praised all virtues, every fame Most noble, highest, purest--then, ah! then, Upleaps in every heart the name none needs to name. Ye who defeated, 'whelmed, Betray the sacred cause, let go the trust; Sleep, weary, while the vessel drifts unhelmed; Here see in triumph rise the hero from the dust! All ye who fight forlorn 'Gainst fate and failure; ye who proudly cope With evil high enthroned; all ye who scorn Life from Dishonor's hand, here take new heart of hope. Here know how Victory borrows For the brave soul a front as of disaster, And in the bannered East what glorious morrows For all the blackness of the night speed surer, faster. Know by this pillared sign For what brief while the powers of earth and hell Can war against the spirit of truth divine, Or can against the heroic heart of man prevail. FOOTNOTES: [10] _By permission of the publishers, Houghton, Mifflin & Co._ * * * * * GEORGE WASHINGTON From "_Washington and the Generals of the Revolution_"