Inscription for the Slain at Freericksburgh

by Herman Melville

Herman Melville

FOR THE SLAIN AT FREDERICKSBURGH

A glory lights an earnest end;
In jubilee the patriot ghosts ascend.
Transfigured at the rapturous height
Of their passionate feat of arms,
Death to the brave's a starry night, —
Strown their vale of death with palms.





Last updated March 26, 2023