The Surrender at Appomattox

(April 1865)

by Herman Melville -- part of

Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War

As billows upon billows roll,

On victory victory breaks;

Ere yet seven days from Richmond's fall

     And crowning triumph wakes

The loud joy-gun, whose thunders run

     By sea-shore, streams, and lakes.

           The hope and great event agree

           In the sword that Grant received from Lee.

The warring eagles fold the wing,

     But not in Caesar's sway;

Not Rome o'ercome by Roman arms we sing,

     As on Pharsalia's day,

But Treason thrown, though a giant grown,

     And Freedom's larger play.

              All human tribes glad token see

              In the close of the wars of Grant and Lee.

from Selected Poems of Herman Melville

Penguin Classics, 2006.