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Poems List

Call me Ishmael.

Moby Dick (1851), opening words

2

But me they’ll lash in hammock, drop me deep. Fathoms down, fathoms down, how I’ll dream fast asleep. I feel it stealing now. Sentry, are you there? Just ease these darbies [manacles] at the wrist, And roll me over fair! I am sleepy, and the oozy weeds about me twist.

Billy Budd, 25

4

Dies, all dies! The grass it dies, but in vernal rain Up it springs and it lives again; Over and over, again and again It lives, it dies and it lives again.

Pontoosuce [1924], l. 71

3

Ah, why should tears the pale cheek fret For aught that waneth here below. Let go, let go!

Pontoosuce, l. 88

1

All civil charms And priestly spells which late held hearts in awe— Fear-bound, subjected to a better sway Than sway of self; these like a dream dissolve, And man rebounds whole aeons back in nature.

Battle-Pieces. The House-top, l. 12

2

If Luther’s day expand to Darwin’s year, Shall that exclude the hope—foreclose the fear?

Clarel [1876]. Epilogue

3

What troops Of generous boys in happiness thus bred— Saturnians through life’s Tempe led, Went from the North and came from the South, With golden mottoes in the mouth, To lie down midway on a bloody bed.

Battle-Pieces. On the Slain Collegians, st. 2

3

Foemen at morn, but friends at eve— Fame or country least their care: (What like a bullet can undeceive!)

Battle-Pieces. Shiloh, l. 14

2

The poor old Past, The Future’s slave.

Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War [1866]. The Conflict of Convictions, st. 6

1

All wars are boyish, and are fought by boys.

Battle-Pieces. The March into Virginia

1

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Herman Melville (1819-1891) is one of the most important American novelists, famous for his masterpiece "Moby Dick" (1851). His experiences as a sailor served as inspiration for many of his writings, which often address themes such as revenge, obsession, the nature of evil, and the human condition. Although "Moby Dick" was not a commercial success during his lifetime, today it is acclaimed as a landmark of American literature. Other notable works include "Typee" and "The Piazza Tales". His literary career faced difficulties, and he spent the last years of his life working as a customs inspector in New York.