A Dirge for McPherson,

Arms reversed and banners craped— 2Muffled drums; Snowy horses sable-draped— 2McPherson comes.

3But, tell us, shall we know him more, 3Lost-Mountain and lone Kenesaw?

Brave the sword upon the pall— 2A gleam in gloom; So a bright name lighteth all 2McPherson's doom.

Bear him through the chapel-door— 2Let priest in stole Pace before the warrior 2Who led. Bell—toll!

Lay him down within the nave, 2The Lesson read— Man is noble, man is brave, 2But man's—a weed.

Take him up again and wend 2Graveward, nor weep: There's a trumpet that shall rend 2This Soldier's sleep.

Pass the ropes the coffin round, 2And let descend; Prayer and volley—let it sound 2McPherson's end.

3True fame is his, for life is o'er— 3Sarpedon of the mighty war.