No gilded dome swells from the lowly roof to catch the morning or
evening beam; but the love and gratitude of united America settle
upon it in one eternal sunshine. From beneath that humble roof went
forth the intrepid and unselfish warrior, the magistrate who knew
no glory but his country's good; to that he returned, happiest when
his work was done. There he lived in noble simplicity, there he died
in glory and peace. While it stands, the latest generations of the
grateful children of America will make this pilgrimage to it as to
a shrine; and when it shall fall, if fall it must, the memory and
the name of Washington shall shed an eternal glory on the spot.
-- Edward Everett (1794-1865)
-- Oration on the Character of Washington
