Book XXXV: Good-Bye My Fancy - Interpolation Sounds
General Philip Sheridan was buried at
the Cathedral, Washington, D. C., August, 1888,
with all the pomp, music and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic service.
Over and through the burial chant,
Organ and solemn service, sermon, bending priests,
To me come interpolation sounds not in the show—plainly to me,
crowding up the aisle and from the window,
Of sudden battle's hurry and harsh noises—war's grim game to sight
and ear in earnest;
The scout call'd up and forward—the general mounted and his aids
around him—the new-brought word—the instantaneous
order issued;
The rifle crack—the cannon thud—the rushing forth of men from
their tents;
The clank of cavalry—the strange celerity of forming ranks—the
slender bugle note;
The sound of horses' hoofs departing—saddles, arms, accoutrements.