( READ MARCH 20, 1907, AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE MACDOWELL ASSOCIATION, FOUNDED TO PROMOTE EDWARD MACDOWELL'S PLANS FOR A SYMPATHETIC COÖPERATION OF THE ARTS )

G O , wreathe his chair with laurel,
And brim his glass with wine,
And let one silent place proclaim
The presence we divine.

To sorrow for so pure a soul,
So warm a heart as he,
Makes never discord at a feast
Given to Harmony.

The dream he dreamed by starlight
Is not less fair by sun:
That Beauty may to Beauty join
Till all the arts be one;

That each who serves the Muses,
And weaves the magic thrall
With words, or sounds, or speechless earth,
May brother be to all.

On this wide hearth he lighted
A new-inspiring flame,
Whose torch to kindling torch for aye
Shall whisper of his fame.

Join hands for that Ideal
He loved and worshiped most.
Our absent guest, I said? Ah, no!
He is our absent host.