_For Graves at Pea Ridge, Arkansas_ <br /> <br />Let none misgive we died amiss <br />When here we strove in furious fight: <br />Furious it was; nathless was this <br />Better than tranquil plight, <br />And tame surrender of the Cause <br />Hallowed by hearts and by the laws. <br />We here who warred for Man and Right, <br />The choice of warring never laid with us. <br />There we were ruled by the traitor's choice. <br />Nor long we stood to trim and poise, <br />But marched and fell--victorious!<br /><br />Herman Melville<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/inscription-8/
