The Agassiz Memorials. 265 



knowing how willingly the world will sneer at what 

 it cannot comprehend, his hand was ever extended 

 to help the seeker after truth, and to place his feet 

 upon a firm foundation. A father among the young, 

 a brother among the mature, and a kind and gentle 

 friend to all, the name of Agassiz will be loved as 

 his genius is honoured, and his childlike nature cher- 

 ished as his mental powers are valued and esteemed. 

 Above the earth which covers his remains will be 

 mingled the bitter regrets for the loss of one so 

 gifted, and the sighs of sympathy for those who will 

 miss the communion of a loving heart. As on and 

 on we journey towards the end, the pathway of our 

 life is strewn with sorrowing memories ; but the 

 blossoms of existence diffuse their fragrance by the 

 wayside, and teach us that all is not sad for those 

 who mourn. The incense of good deeds ascends to 

 Heaven, and the place which so glorious a soul as 

 his filled on earth, becomes a monument for after 

 time, and points to the generations which follow, 

 the shining remembrance of his power. For over 

 fourteen years the writer has held pleasant inter- 

 course with him ; has profited by the varied store 

 of knowledge he was ever so ready to impart ; and 

 with a saddened soul would add this poor tributary 

 leaf to the garlands which will deck his tomb. He 

 is but one among the many who have felt the 

 friendly interest which Agassiz was wont to display 

 to all who needed the help of such a teacher, and 

 who, in the years to come, will sigh 



For the touch of a vanished hand, 

 And the sound of a voice that is still." 



