THE TOCSIN.
Reading edition
BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER.
When the tocsin sounds a rally, over hill and over valley You will hear a sudden rushing and the tramp of marching feet; From the lowland to the highland, swift through continent and island, When the tocsin sends its thrilling call, shall answer willing feet. For the young folks will be ready, rallying with faces steady, At the moment when vacation slips with laughing haste away; Dear old books for weeks neglected will be joyfully collected, Borne with looks of purest pleasure to the school on opening day. In the fortress of the mountains, by the gentle falling fountains, Elves and fays will miss the army late who made the forests ring, But the school-house will be swarming, teachers' hearts for gladness warming, When the gallant host is gathered and again the children sing. Soon will sound for instant rally, over hill and over valley, That old tocsin which so often we have heard in days of yore, And with merry faces beaming, to the same dear places streaming, At a quick-march will the pupils hurry through the school-room door.