Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By MichaelO’Connor

866 Reveille

THE MORNING is cheery, my boys, arouse!

The dew shines bright on the chestnut boughs,

And the sleepy mist on the river lies,

Though the east is flushing with crimson dyes.

Awake! awake! awake!

O’er field and wood and brake,

With glories newly born,

Comes on the blushing morn.

Awake! awake!

You have dreamed of your homes and friends all night;

You have basked in your sweethearts’ smiles so bright;

Come, part with them all for a while again,—

Be lovers in dreams; when awake, be men.

Turn out! turn out! turn out!

You have dreamed full long, I know.

Turn out! turn out! turn out!

The east is all aglow.

Turn out! turn out!

From every valley and hill there come

The clamoring voices of fife and drum;

And out in the fresh, cool morning air

The soldiers are swarming everywhere.

Fall in! fall in! fall in!

Every man in his place,

Fall in! fall in! fall in!

Each with a cheerful face,

Fall in! fall in!