George F. Hoar: “During Garfield's service in the House he was the leader of its best thought.”

To go fully into the role of the number three in British traditions would require a profound study; but it may be useful briefly to note its influence on the Bardic poetry-- the Triads, where the subjects are all grouped in threes.

We bring you the heart's love of Boston where you were born, and Worcester where you took the early vows you have kept so well; of Massachusetts who knows she has no worthier son, and of the great and free country to whom you have taught…

We bring you a more costly and precious gift than any jewel or diadem, though it came from an Emperor's treasury.

We speak of a light that makes darkness visible; and similarly there are sounds that deepen the long intervals of silence with which they alternate.