Arms reversed and banners craped --
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.
Officers