JOHN LEDYARD

JOHN LEDYARD. In 1772 a Freshman in Dartmouth College on This Spot felled a Giant Pine, from which he made a Canoe, and in it descended the River to Hartford, Connecticut. He was a traveler among the Indians, an Associate of John Paul Jones, an Officer under Captain Cook; Traversing All Oceans, and Penetrating Remote Lands. He foresaw and foretold the Riches of the Pacific Coast and the Advantages of Commerce with the Far East. When about to cross Africa he died in Egypt at the age of thirty-seven. He too heard the voice crying in the wilderness.

(From the Ledyard Monument, Hanover, New Hampshire.)

Into his heart there swept the age-long urge Of waters that press onward to be free From their imprisoning banks, and seek the surge And boundless roving of the open sea.

Scornful of ease and soft security, He knew no wealth could measure with his own, The magic purse of youth, unspent and free, The world his kingdom, his staunch heart the throne.

Boy—yet his fleet young wisdom did outstrip The patient lore of many a dim-eyed sage; He saw with what unyielding, covetous grip The miser, Time, keeps back man's heritage.

Saying, "Be prudent! Tarry yet a while; "Later, perhaps, adventure will be yours," With such lead coinage of cold craft and guile How many a precious birthright he procures!

Yet that grim steward of the soul's estate, Mouthing vague promises from year to year Surrenders wealth untold without debate To those who claim their own and put by fear.

O gallant youngster! When will we begin To heed the one great truth your courage knew?— "Seek ye the kingdom first, within! within! "And all else shall be added thereunto."

The poem printed above was found among the papers of Edmund F. Hahn 17 after his death which occurred on May 21, 1927, and sent to the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. Mr. Hahn's talent was recognized and these verses show the promise of a literary career cut short by his early death. [EDITOR]