MEMORIAL ON THE SLAIN AT CHICKAMAUGA by Herman Melville (1819-1891)

Happy are they and charmed in life Who through long wars arrive unscarred At peace. To such the wreath be given, If they unfalteringly have striven -- In honor, as in limb, unmarred. Let cheerful praise be rife, And let them live their years at ease, Musing on brothers who victorious died -- Loved mates whose memory shall ever please. And yet mischance is honorable too -- Seeming defeat in conflict justified Whose end to closing eyes is hid from view. The will, that never can relent -- The aim, survivor of the bafflement, Make this memorial due.



Battles