 | Collected poems of Herman Melville |  |
PRESENTATION TO THE AUTHORITIES
BY PRIVATES, OF COLORS CAPTURED IN BATTLES ENDING IN THE SURRENDER OF LEE
These flags of armies overthrown—Flags fallen beneath the sovereign one
In end foredoomed which closes war;
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The altar which of right claims all—
Our Country. And as freely we,
Revering ever her sacred call,
Could lay our lives down—though life be
Thrice loved and precious to the sense
Of such as reap the recompense
Of life imperiled for just cause—
Imperiled, and yet preserved;
While comrades, whom Duty as strongly nerved,
Whose wives were all as dear, lie low.
But these flags given, glad we go
To waiting homes with vindicated laws.
| Collected poems of Herman Melville | |