# Poems (Fields)/The Post of Honor

THE POST OF HONOR.
NOTES.
Note 1. Page 1.
The Annual Poem before the Mercantile Library Association is usually delivered on the same evening, immediately after an Address at the Tremont Temple.
Note 2. Page 2. In boyhood's hour,
On a previous occasion, (in 1838,) the Anniversary Poem was recited by the author of the one now published.
Note 3. Page 3. For him whose eyelids in a wintry grave,
Orlando Pitts, who was lost in the steamer Atlantic on the 27th of November, 1846. Among the many victims of that fearful storm, no one was more deeply lamented than the subject of these lines.
Note 4. Page 5. Or thine, Urania,
Note 5. Page 7. Adds Spartan steps to many a broken sword;
"Mother!" said a Spartan boy, going to battle, "My sword is too short." "Add a step to it," was the heroic reply.
Note 6. Page 7. So Nelson watched,
See Southey's glowing life of the great naval hero.
Note 7. Page 13. Yon fountain Nymph, &c.
This passage refers to the beautiful jet so recently introduced to add its graceful beauty to Boston Common. The old Elm Tree, standing near the Pond, is too well known to require a further notice here.
Note 8. Page 14. Rome's cautious bard,
"Fuge magna: licet subpaupere tecto, Reges, et regum vita praecurre ami cos."
Horace.
Note 9. Page 16. On Talfourd's page, &c.
The "Final Memorials of Charles Lamb," recently published by his eminent biographer, have added a new and solemn interest to the character of Elia. Such an exhibition of self-sacrifice under similar circumstances was never made before.
Note 10. Page 17. And thou, great Bard of never dying name,
Gray lies buried in Stoke church, at the south-east corner of the chancel. He desired to be laid near the tomb of his mother, whom he had long and affectionately loved, and over whose remains the pilgrim to this interesting spot will read the following inscription, placed there by the author of the Elegy
BESIDE HER FRIEND AND SISTER, HERE SLEEP THE REMAINS OF DOROTHY GRAY, WIDOW, THE TENDER MOTHER OF MANY CHILDREN, ONE OF WHOM ALONE HAD THE MISFORTUNE TO SURVIVE HER.
Note 11. Page 18. Methinks I see that sainted sister now,
Whoever has visited the Parisian hospitals, especially those devoted to the care of children, cannot fail to have learned a lesson not easily to be forgotten. The patient, gentle devotion of a young female, in the full flush of womanly beauty, to the wants of a dying orphan-infant, suggested this passage.
Note 12. Page 18. 'Twas thine, Jerome,
Some difference of opinion seems to exist with reference to this courageous sailor. That he worked manfully in the perilous scene to save those who were exposed to imminent danger, is a sufficient reason why his name should be honorably mentioned every where.
Note 13. Page 20. Who follows Webster takes the field too late.
This closing line of the paragraph alluding to the great Statesman, was suggested by the well-known quotation:—
"Who follows Homer, takes the field too late; Though stout as Hector, sure of Hector's fate, A wound, as from Achilles' spear, he feels, Falls and adorns the Grecian's chariot wheels."
* ↑ Note 1. Page 1. The Annual Poem before the Mercantile Library Association is usually delivered on the same evening, immediately after an Address at the Tremont Temple.
* ↑ Note 2. Page 2. In boyhood's hour, On a previous occasion, (in 1838,) the Anniversary Poem was recited by the author of the one now published.
* ↑ Note 3. Page 3. For him whose eyelids in a wintry grave, Orlando Pitts, who was lost in the steamer Atlantic on the 27th of November, 1846. Among the many victims of that fearful storm, no one was more deeply lamented than the subject of these lines.
* ↑ Note 4. Page 5. Or thine, Urania, It is scarcely necessary to explain this reference. Those who have read the admirable Poem pronounced in 1846 before the Society by Dr. O. W. Holmes, need not be reminded here of its excellence.
* ↑ Note 5. Page 7. Adds Spartan steps to many a broken sword; "Mother!" said a Spartan boy, going to battle, "My sword is too short." "Add a step to it," was the heroic reply.
* ↑ Note 6. Page 7. So Nelson watched, See Southey's glowing life of the great naval hero.