History & Politics

The Returned Volunteer to his Rifle

by Herman Melville 1819–1891

From Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War

History & Politics

Over the hearth--my father’s seat--
Repose, to patriot-memory dear,
Thou tried companion, whom at last I greet
By steepy banks of Hudson here.
How oft I told thee of this scene--
The Highlands blue--the river’s narrowing sheen.
Little at Gettysburg we thought
To find such haven; but God kept it green.
Long rest! with belt, and bayonet, and canteen.

MLA

Melville, Herman. “The Returned Volunteer to his Rifle.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/melville/68/.

Chicago

Melville, Herman. “The Returned Volunteer to his Rifle.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/melville/68/.

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