History & Politics
The Surrender at Appomattox
From Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War
As billows upon billows roll,
On victory victory breaks;
Ere yet seven days from Richmond’s fall
And crowning triumph wakes
The loud joy-gun, whose thunders run
By sea-shore, streams, and lakes.
The hope and great event agree
In the sword that Grant received from Lee.
The warring eagles fold the wing,
But not in Cæsar’s sway;
Not Rome o’ercome by Roman arms we sing,
As on Pharsalia’s day,
But Treason thrown, though a giant grown,
And Freedom’s larger play.
All human tribes glad token see
In the close of the wars of Grant and Lee.
Codex Note
Dated April, 1865.
Cite this poem
MLA
Melville, Herman. “The Surrender at Appomattox.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/melville/39/.
Chicago
Melville, Herman. “The Surrender at Appomattox.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/melville/39/.
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