In Memoriam: Joseph Le Conte. 



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IN MEMORIAM: JOSEPH LE CONTE. 



By Willoughby Rodman. 



This to his memory. 'Mid the scenes he loved 



We raise this tribute of our greatful hearts. 



For here he dreamed and pondered ; here he found 



The highest inspiration of his Hfe. 



Among these rocks with reverent soul he read 



The lesson of the immemorial past. 



Here, v^ith his head pillowed on Nature's breast, 



His spirit passed into a perfect peace. 



When civil strife laid waste his native land. 

 He turned his footsteps to a newer life. 

 Too sad the memories of a ruined home, 

 And seeming death-throes of a well-loved State. 

 Sad — not repining, weary — not cast down, 

 He turned his strength unto the present task. 

 It is our pride that here he found his home. 

 That from our State, while he abode with us, 

 He took full measure, honor, trust, and love ; 

 And left his impress on our life and thought. 

 For if the sacred fire of learning burns 

 Upon our altar, by his faithful hand 

 Its feeble flame was cherished. If our lives 

 Show forth a nobler influence, broader views. 

 More earnest striving toward a pure ideal. 

 We know his soul is living in our own. 



As o'er Tissa-ack's"^ mighty dome the sun. 

 Not with slow dawning, as in other lands, 

 But with a sudden splendor lights the vale. 

 So unto him the glory of this scene 

 Came as a revelation. From that day 



* T/ssa-ack — Indian name of Le Conte Dome, formerly known as Half 

 Dome, or South Dome. 



