Page:Leaves of Grass (1860).djvu/54

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Leaves of Grass.

84.This is for the illiterate, and for the judges of the
Supreme Court, and for the Federal capitol and the
State capitols,
And for the admirable communes of literats,
composers, singers, lecturers, engineers, and savans,
And for the endless races of work-people, farmers,
and seamen.

85.This is the trilling of thousands of clear cornets,
screaming of octave flutes, striking of triangles.

86.I play not here marches for victors only—I play
great marches for conquered and slain persons.

87.Have you heard that it was good to gain the day?
I also say it is good to fall—battles are lost in the
same spirit in which they are won.

88.I beat triumphal drums for the dead,
I blow through my embouchures my loudest and
gayest music to them.

89.Vivas to those who have failed!
And to those whose war-vessels sank in the sea!
And those themselves who sank in the sea!
And to all generals that lost engagements! and all
overcome heroes!
And the numberless unknown heroes, equal to the
greatest heroes known.

90.This is the meal pleasantly set—this is the meat and
drink for natural hunger,
It is for the wicked just the same as the righteous—I
make appointments with all,