The Call

Like solo flute above an orchestra
Freedom was heard calling her brave sons
To save a nation ravish'd by the Huns,
Wrest Belgium from a power sinistra.
Was England heedless of the trumpet call ?
Did her best Youth linger for her to die ?
No ! from her cities, hamlets, towns, they all
Rushed to the ensign waving in the sky.
The genius left his visions, dreams of fame ;
The workman fled his offspring and his wife ;
And lion Youth fearless and rampant came
To follow Freedom's flag into the strife.
Old England saw proud Youth allegiance take—
Men with the souls of Wellington and Drake.