Literature Network » Herman Melville » The Returned Volunteer to his Rifle

The Returned Volunteer to his Rifle

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.

Literature Network » Herman Melville » The Returned Volunteer to his Rifle