Presentation to the Authorities, by Privates, of Colors captured in Battles ending in the Surrender of Lee.
By Herman Melville
These flags of armies overthrown -
Flags fallen beneath the sovereign one
In end foredoomed which closes war;
We here, the captors, lay before
The altar which of right claims all -
Our Country. And as freely we,
Revering ever her sacred call,
Could lay our lives down - though life be
Thrice loved and precious to the sense
Of such as reap the recompense
Of life imperiled for just cause -
Imperiled, and yet preserved;
While comrades, whom Duty as strongly nerved,
Whose wives were all as dear, lie low.
But these flags given, glad we go
To waiting homes with vindicated laws.