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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SHERMAN'S IN SAVANNAH [DECEMBER 22, 1864] by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

Poet Analysis

First Line: LIKE THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL
Last Line: AS IT CROWNS SAVANNAH!
Subject(s): AMERICAN CIVIL WAR; SAVANNAH, GEORGIA; SHERMAN, WILLIAM TECUMSEH (1820-1891); UNITED STATES - HISTORY;

LIKE the tribes of Israel,
Fed on quails and manna,
Sherman and his glorious band
Journeyed through the rebel land,
Fed from Heaven's all-bounteous hand,
Marching on Savannah!

As the moving pillar shone,
Streamed the starry banner
All day long in rosy light,
Flaming splendor all the night,
Till it swooped in eagle flight
Down on doomed Savannah!

Glory be to God on high!
Shout the loud Hosanna!
Treason's wilderness is past,
Canaan's shore is won at last,
Peal a nation's trumpet-blast, --
Sherman 's in Savannah!

Soon shall Richmond's tough old hide
Find a tough old tanner!
Soon from every rebel wall
Shall the rag of treason fall,
Till our banner flaps o'er all
As it crowns Savannah!



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