At the End of the Day

THERE is no escape by the river,

There is no flight left by the fen;

We are compassed about by the shiver

Of the night of their marching men.

Give a cheer!

For our hearts shall not give way.

Here’s to a dark to-morrow,

And here’s to a brave to-day!

The tale of their hosts is countless,

And the tale of ours a score;

But the palm is naught to the dauntless,

And the cause is more and more.

Give a cheer!

We may die, but not give way.

Here’s to a silent morrow,

And here’s to a stout to-day!

God has said: “Ye shall fail and perish;

But the thrill ye have felt to-night

I shall keep in my heart and cherish

When the worlds have passed in night.”

Give a cheer!

For the soul shall not give way.

Here’s to the greater to-morrow

That is born of a great to-day!

Now shame on the craven truckler

And the puling things that mope!

We’ve a rapture for our buckler

That outwears the rings of hope.

Give a cheer!

For our joy shall not give way.

Here’s in the teeth of to-morrow

To the glory of to-day!