Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A DIRGE FOR MCPHERSON; KILLED IN FRONT OF ATLANTA, by HERMAN MELVILLE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A DIRGE FOR MCPHERSON; KILLED IN FRONT OF ATLANTA, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Arms reversed and banners craped
Last Line: Sarpedon of the mighty war.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Atlanta Campaign (1864); Funerals; Mcpherson, James Birdseye (1828-1864); United States - History; Burials


ARMS reversed and banners craped --
Muffled drums;
Snowy horses sable-draped --
McPherson comes.
But, tell us, shall we know him more,
Lost-Mountain and lone Kenesaw?

Brave the sword upon the pall --
A gleam in gloom;
So a bright name lighteth all
McPherson's doom.

Bear him through the chapel-door --
Let priest in stole
Pace before the warrior
Who led. Bell -- toll!

Lay him down within the nave,
The Lesson read --
Man is noble, man is brave,
But man's -- a weed.

Take him up again and wend
Graveward, nor weep:
There's a trumpet that shall rend
This Soldier's sleep.

Pass the ropes the coffin round,
And let descend;
Prayer and volley -- let it sound
McPherson's end.
True fame is his, for life is o'er --
Sarpedon of the mighty war.





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