As the Greek's Signal Flame

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WALT WHITMAN'S PRAISE.

HE DEDICATES A POEM TO HIS FRIEND, SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE HERALD.

AS THE GREEKS SIGNAL FLAME.¹

[For Whittier's Eightieth Birthday, December 17, 1887.] As the Greek's signal flame, by antique records told (Tally of many a hard strain'd battle, struggle, 
  year—triumphant only at the last),² Rose from the hilltop, like applause and glory, Welcoming in fame some special veteran, hero, With rosy tinge reddening the land he'd served, So I aloft from Mannahatta's ship fringed shore, Lift high a kindled brand for thee, Old Poet. WALT WHITMAN.

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Notes

1. Reprinted in the Boston Daily Advertiser (17 December 1887); Munyon's Illustrated World (January 1888); and then in the "Sands at Seventy" annex to Leaves of Grass (1888). [back]

2. The "Sands at Seventy" printing of the poem omits the second line. [back]