He would have been remembered as a discreet and trusty diplomatist, an able statesman, a successful politician, a capable President, and an honest and honorable man! This would, indeed, have been a measure of renown with which most men would have been content, and which few of the most fortunate sons of earth can ever attain.

He was abundantly satisfied with it.

He asked for nothing more--he expected nothing more this side the grave.

But it was not enough! Fame was wreathing brighter garlands, a more worthy chaplet, for his brow.
A higher, nobler task was before him, than any enterprize which had claimed his attention.

His long and distinguished career--his varied and invaluable experience--had been but a preparation to enable him to enter upon the real work of life for which he was raised up.
The world did not yet know John Quincy Adams.