Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VANQUISHED; ON THE DEATH OF GENERAL GRANT, by FRANCIS FISHER BROWNE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VANQUISHED; ON THE DEATH OF GENERAL GRANT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not by the ball or brand
Last Line: Vanquished but by death.
Subject(s): Grant, Ulysses Simpson (1822-1885); Holidays; Memorial Day; Declaration Day


I

NOT by the ball or brand
Sped by a mortal hand,
Not by the lightning stroke
When fiery tempests broke, --
Not mid the ranks of War
Fell the great Conqueror.

II

Unmoved, undismayed,
In the crash and carnage of the cannonade, --
Eye that dimmed not, hand that failed not,
Brain that swerved not, heart that quailed not,
Steel nerve, iron form, --
The dauntless spirit that o'erruled the storm.

III

While the Hero peaceful slept
A foeman to his chamber crept,
Lightly to the slumberer came,
Touched his brow and breathed his name:
O'er the stricken form there passed
Suddenly an icy blast.

IV

The Hero woke, rose undismayed,
Saluted Death, and sheathed his blade.

V

The Conqueror of a hundred fields
To a mightier Conqueror yields;

No mortal foeman's blow
Laid the great Soldier low:
Victor in his latest breath --
Vanquished but by Death.





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