What is the News to-day, Boys?
Have they fired the Signal gun?
We answer but one way, Boys;
We are ready for the fray, Boys,
All ready and all one!
They shall not say we boasted
Of deeds that would be done;
Or sat at home and toasted:
We are marshall'd, drilled, and posted,
All ready and all one!
We are not as driven cattle
That would the conflict shun.
They have to test our mettle
As _Volunteers_ of Battle,
All ready and all one!
The life-streams of the Mother
Through all her youngsters run,
And brother stands by brother,
To die with one another,
All ready and all one!