Memorial On The Slain At Chickamauga (Union)

By Herman Melville (1819-1891)

Happy are they and charmed in lifeWho through long wars arrive unscarred?At peace. To such the wreath be given,If they unfalteringly have striven --In honor, as in limb, unmarred.Let cheerful praise be rife,And let them live their years at ease,Musing on brothers who victorious died --Loved mates whose memory shall ever please.

And yet mischance is honorable too --Seeming defeat in conflict justifiedWhose end to closing eyes is hid from view.The will, that never can relent --The aim, survivor of the bafflement,

Make this memorial due.