Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War/Dupont's Round Fight

by Herman Melville

 

Dupont's Round Fight.
(November, 1861.)

 

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In time and measure perfect moves
All Art whose aim is sure;
Evolving rhyme and stars divine
Have rules, and they endure.

Nor less the Fleet that warred for Right,
And, warring so, prevailed,
In geometric beauty curved,
And in an orbit sailed.

The rebel at Port Royal felt
The Unity overawe,
And rued the spell. A type was here,
And victory of Law.