Arms reversed and banners creped –
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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