REVEILLE.
Ready, aye ready ! Gunboats and rifles, Silently, swiftly, we'll fill up the roll; Red Tape is fumbling, Diplomacy trifles ; Hark! Is Peace dead ? Did you hear the bell toll ?
Not yet, thank God! are her English hours numbered. Steady her voice is, her pulse in each vein; Short is the time our dead heroes have slumbered, Not foreign bugles shall rouse them again.
Quiet the house where your children lie sleeping, Sweet too your own rest, your work has been hard : Why is no robber around those walls creeping? Shot are the bolts, and the shutters well barred.
Woolwich ! Your powder keep dry, without lighting ! Weedon! Make good your moth-eaten kit! Many a foe is awed, without fighting, Face him well-armed, and with clear mother-wit.
Weak is the head, that in quarrel is quickest ; Wellington waited ; Hodson bore blame : Valour will hold on where dangers are thickest, Cowards and children, cry out at a name.
Men of the lace-frame and men of the farm, Men of the forge, and men of the loom, Why should your wages shield tyrants from harm, Or your brothers be killed, for them to make room ?
Idlers and croakers, to muscle and sinew, Turn your weak nerves, and quit you like men : Show for your own sake the stuff that is in you, Fingers well-drilled, better handle the pen.
Brave volunteers, form, and keep step together ! Yet be lured not from labour. You live for mankind. Work well, and pray well,—then who shall fear, whether God will forsake, or leave England behind?
Nottingham, 23d May.
DWEHNO.
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