William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
The Tocsin Has Sounded—1812T
And rapid as lightning the rumour has flown,
That, prepared to defend our heaven-bless’d soil,
Our country to save and proud tyrants to foil,
We submit without murmur to danger and toil.
Let no doubt, no regret, thy courage appal;
Hark! the ear-piercing fife, and the harsh rolling drum,
Whilst they thrill through thine ears, to thy heart they cry, “Come,”
And invite thee to leave thy ever dear home.
Than conquest much sweeter, much brighter than fame!
Yes! that dear little spot, ever green in his mind—
The soldier no truer inducement need find,
Than to think that he conquers for those left behind.
What blanches the hue on thy sun-embrown’d cheek?
Is it fear?—Blast the thought! the proud veteran cries:
Ah! look at that female, whose heart-rending sighs
Drive the hue from my cheek and the tear from mine eyes.
And believe thee more brave, as we see thou canst feel;
Cheer up, tender heart: cease the mandate to mourn;
Crown’d with laurels thy soldier again will return,
And the flame of his glory still brighter shall burn.