_Commemorative of the Dissolution of armies at the Peace_ <br />May, 1865 <br /> <br />What power disbands the Northern Lights <br />After their steely play? <br />The lonely watcher feels an awe <br />Of Nature's sway, <br />As when appearing, <br />He marked their flashed uprearing <br />In the cold gloom-- <br />Retreatings and advancings, <br />(Like dallyings of doom), <br />Transitions and enhancings, <br />And bloody ray. <br /> <br />The phantom-host has faded quite, <br />Splendor and Terror gone <br />Portent or promise--and gives way <br />To pale, meek Dawn; <br />The coming, going, <br />Alike in wonder showing-- <br />Alike the God, <br />Decreeing and commanding <br />The million blades that glowed, <br />The muster and disbanding-- <br />Midnight and Morn.<br /><br />Herman Melville<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/aurora-borealis-8/
