The Night March

by Herman Melville

　　

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With banners furled and clarions mute, An army passes in the night;And beaming spears and helms salute The dark with bright.In silence deep the legions stream, With open ranks, in order true;Over boundless plains they stream and gleam— No chief in view!Afar, in twinkling distance lost, (So legends tell) he lonely wendsAnd back through all that shining host His mandate sends.

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