Beat! Beat! Drums!

Part of the cluster DRUM-TAPS.

BEAT! BEAT! DRUMS!

1

BEAT! beat! drums!—Blow! bugles! blow! Through the windows—through doors—burst like a
ruthless force, Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation; Into the school where the scholar is studying; Leave not the bridegroom quiet—no happiness must he
have now with his bride; Nor the peaceful farmer any peace, plowing his field or
gathering his grain; So fierce you whirr and pound, you drums—so shrill you
bugles blow.

2

Beat! beat! drums!—Blow! bugles! blow! Over the traffic of cities—over the rumble of wheels in
the streets: Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses?
No sleepers must sleep in those beds; No bargainers' bargains by day—no brokers or specu-
lators—Would they continue? Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt
to sing? Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case be-
fore the judge? Then rattle quicker, heavier drums—you bugles wilder
blow. 12 [ begin page 266 ]

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3

Beat! beat! drums!—Blow! bugles! blow! Make no parley—stop for no expostulation; Mind not the timid—mind not the weeper or prayer; Mind not the old man beseeching the young man; Let not the child's voice be heard, nor the mother's en-
treaties; Make even the trestles to shake the dead, where they
lie awaiting the hearses, So strong you thump, O terrible drums—so loud you
bugles blow.

Part of the cluster DRUM-TAPS.