Poem

[maggiebee]

Wasn't sure where to post this poem. I'm involved in a group researching Dundee's involvement in WW1 - Great War Dundee Commemorative Project 2014-2019.
This poem was apparently printed in our local paper in 1915. Hindsight is a great thing!

THE CALL TO ARMS.
Britons, rally round the standard,
Gird your armour for the fray;
‘Tis your King and country calls you,
‘Tis but duty to obey.
Though the fight be fierce and trying,
Well we know ‘twill not be long;
Soon, with victor’s colours flying,
We shall sing the conqueror’s song.

See the alien forces marshal
All their legions for the fight;
Britons, meet their deadly onslaught,
Fight for honour, God, and right.
With the world’s eyes fixed upon you,
Forward to the conflict go;
Rests the nation’s honour on you –
British grit and valour show.

Soon the warfare will be ended,
Soon the conflict dire shall cease;
All the proud foe’s power expended –
Joyful rings the bells of peace.
O’er the earth the chorus ringing,
Still “Britannia rules the waves”;
Hear the children sweetly singing,
“Britons never shall be slaves.”