Classic Poem

Muster the brave boys in!
Not for the clash of arms,
Not for the fierce alarms,
Not for the sword and the flame!
In the might of a Nation's name,
Muster them in!

Muster the brave boys in!
Not for the reddening strife,
Not for “a life for a life,”
For the flight of furious steeds!
In the calm of a Nation's needs,
Muster them in!

Muster the brave boys in!
Not for the gay parade,
Not for the reckless raid,
For the battles that rend the land!
In the love of a Nation's hand,
Muster them in!

Muster the brave boys in!
Not for the smiting scourge,
Not for the awful dirge,—
For the graces that peace shall shed
Over a Nation's head,
Muster them in!

Muster the brave boys in!
To stay the steps that are slow,
To lift the hearts that are low,
To stand as a guard of might
In the Nation's light, or night,
Muster them in!

Muster the brave boys in!
That the vows may be passed along
That their fathers have kept and are strong,
In the hope of a happier day
In the Nation's heart for aye,—
Muster them in!