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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A BATTLE PICTURE by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THREE MOUNTED BUGLERS LACED IN GOLD
Last Line: ALL THE MAD PLUMES DANCE FOR JOY!
Subject(s): WAR;

Three mounted buglers laced in gold,
Sidelong veering, light in seat,
High on the crest of battle rolled
Ere yet the surge is downward beat,
The pennoned trumpets lightly hold --
Mark how they snatch the swift occasion
To thrill their rearward invocation --
While the sabres, never coy,
Ring responses as they ride;
And, like breakers of the tide,
All the mad plumes dance for joy!



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