Plain be the phrase, yet apt the verse, <br />More ponderous than nimble; <br />For since grimed War here laid aside <br />His painted pomp, 'twould ill befit <br />Overmuch to ply <br />The rhyme's barbaric symbol. <br /> <br />Hail to victory without the gaud <br />Of glory; zeal that needs no fans <br />Of banners; plain mechanic power <br />Plied cogently in War now placed - <br />Where War belongs - <br />Among the trades and artisans. <br /> <br />Yet this was battle, and intense - <br />Beyond the strife of fleets heroic; <br />Deadlier, closer, calm 'mid storm; <br />No passion; all went on by crank. <br />Pivot, and screw, <br />And calculations of caloric. <br /> <br />Needless to dwell; the story's known. <br />The ringing of those plates on plates <br />Still ringeth round the world - <br />The clangor of the blacksmiths' fray. <br />The anvil-din <br />Resounds this message from the Fates: <br /> <br />War shall yet be, and to the end; <br />But war-paint shows the streaks of weather; <br />War yet shall be, but the warriors <br />Are now but operatives; War's made <br />Less grand than Peace, <br />And a singe runs through lace and feather.<br /><br />Herman Melville<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-utilitarian-view-of-the-monitor-s-fight/
