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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LOOK-OUT MOUNTAIN; THE NIGHT FIGHT (NOVEMBER, 1863) by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHO INHABITETH THE MOUNTAIN
Last Line: THEY ARE FORTIFIED IN RIGHT.
Subject(s): AMERICAN CIVIL WAR; LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, BATTLE OF (1863); U.S. - HISTORY;

Who inhabiteth the Mountain
That it shines in lurid light,
And is rolled about with thunders,
And terrors, and a blight,
Like Kaf the peak of Eblis --
Kaf, the evil height?
Who has gone up with a shouting
And a trumpet in the night?

There is battle in the Mountain --
Might assaulteth Might;
'Tis the fastness of the Anarch,
Torrent-torn, an ancient height;
The crags resound the clangor
Of the war of Wrong and Right;
And the armies in the valley
Watch and pray for dawning light.

Joy, joy, the day is breaking,
And the cloud is rolled from sight;
There is triumph in the Morning
For the Anarch's plunging flight;
God has glorified the Mountain
Where a Banner burneth bright,
And the armies in the valley
They are fortified in right.



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