English poem
Inter Arma Silent Leges
by Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)
About the polls the freedmen drew, To vote the freemen down; And merrily their caps up-flew As Grant rode through the town.
From votes to staves they next did turn, And beat the freemen down; Full bravely did their valour burn As Grant rode through the town.
Then staves for muskets they forsook, And shot the freemen down; Right royally their banners shook As Grant rode through the town.
Hail, final triumph of our cause! Hail, chief of mute renown! Grim Magistrate of Silent Laws, A-riding freedom down!