20



as new-fledged eaglets dash into the sun. lie did measure hfinm
self and, in that effort, pouring forth his genius and his life, reach-
ed the consummation of his first wishes. the utmost point of his
childhood's prayer. He was measured and found a match for one
whose thunders long have shaken the American Senate and who
was erst the monarch of the forum. Mr. Menefee sunk gradual-
ly from September. His waning life sunk, not his spirit. When
apprised at last that his hour had arrived, "Brief summons," was
the reply, and he manned himself to die with dignity. His sense
of duty, the energy and collectedness of his nature and his cau-
tious regard for others, were strikingly manifested by the last act
of his life. He made his will, executed a mortgage to indemnify a
friend who was resDonsible for him and ere the next sun had risen,
his own had set forever.
  Thus perished in the thirty second year of his life, Richard H.
Menefee, a man designed by nature and himself, for inevitable
greatness. A man of the rarest talents and of the most command-
ing character. A man whose moral qualities were as faultless, as
his intellectual constitution was vigorous and brilliant. A man to
whose advancing eminence there was no limit but the constitution
of his country, had not the energies of his mind proved too mighty
for the material elements which enclosed them.

     "'Twas his own genius gave the final blow,
     And helped to plant the wound that laid him low.
     So the struck Eagle stretched upon the plain,
     No more through rolling clouds to soar agaln,
     Viewed his own feather on the fatal dart,
     And Wi' ed-the sft that quivered in his heart.
     Koeii were his pfmgsg, -but keener far to feel
     Ap nursed tblp pinion which impelled the steel.
     Aud the salrc plumage fhat had warmed his nest,
     Drank the last'lhr-drup from h:s bleeding breast."



EItRATUM.-On 1Ath page, 3rd line from top, for might read "height"