For Soldiers
by Humfrey Gifford (1580)
Ye buds of Brutus land, courageous youths, now play your
parts!
Unto your tackle stand, abide the brunt with valiant hearts!
For news is carried too and fro that we must forth to warfare
go.
Men muster now in every place and soldiers are prest forth
apace.
Faint not, spend blood, to do your Queen and country good!
Fair words, good pay, will make men cast all care away.
The time of war is come, prepare your corslet, spear and
shield!
Methinks I hear the drum strike doleful marches to the field.
Tantara, tantara, the trumpets sound, which makes our hearts with
joy abound.
The roaring guns are heard afar, and every thing denounceth
war.
Serve God, stand stout! bold courage brings this gear about.
Fear not, forth run! faint heart, fair Lady never won.
Ye curious carpet knights that spend the time in sport
and play,
Abroad and see new sights, your country's cause calls you
away.
Do not, to make your Ladies game, bring blemish to your worthy
name!
Away to field, and win renown, with courage beat your enemies
down!
Stout hearts gain praise, when dastards sail in slander's
seas.
Hap what hap shall, we sure shall die but once for all.
Alarm! methinks they cry, be packing, mates, be gone with
speed!
Our foes are very nigh, shame have that man that shrinks at
need!
Unto it boldly, let us stand! God will give right the upper
hand.
Our cause is good, we need not doubt, in sign of courage give a
shout!
March forth, be strong! good hap will come ere it be long.
Shrink not, fight well! for lusty lads must bear the bell.
All you that will shun evil must dwell in warfare every day.
The world, the flesh and Devil always do seek our souls'
decay.
Strive with these foes with all your might, so shall you fight a
worthy fight.
That conquest doth deserve most praise where vice do yield to
virtue's ways.
Beat down foul sin, a worthy crown then shall ye win.
If we live well, in heaven with Christ our souls shall dwell.
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