Poems - Household Edition by Ralph Waldo Emerson
page 261 of 409 (63%)
page 261 of 409 (63%)
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I mourn upon this battle-field,
But not for those who perished here. Behold the river-bank Whither the angry farmers came, In sloven dress and broken rank, Nor thought of fame. Their deed of blood All mankind praise; Even the serene Reason says, It was well done. The wise and simple have one glance To greet yon stern head-stone, Which more of pride than pity gave To mark the Briton's friendless grave. Yet it is a stately tomb; The grand return Of eve and morn, The year's fresh bloom, The silver cloud, Might grace the dust that is most proud. Yet not of these I muse In this ancestral place, But of a kindred face That never joy or hope shall here diffuse. Ah, brother of the brief but blazing star! What hast thou to do with these Haunting this bank's historic trees? Thou born for noblest life, |
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