O What Is That Sound...

O what is that sound which so thrills the ear
       Down in the valley drumming, drumming?
Only the scarlet soldiers, dear,
       The soldiers coming.

O what is that light I see flashing so clear
       Over the distance brightly, brightly?
Only the sun on their weapons, dear,
       As they step lightly.

O what are they doing with all that gear,
       What are they doing this morning, this morning?
Only their usual manoeuvres, dear.
       Or perhaps a warning.

O why have they left the road down there,
       Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling?
Perhaps a change in their orders, dear.
       Why are you kneeling?

O haven't they stopped for the doctor's care,
       Haven't they reined their horses, their horses?
Why, they are none of them wounded, dear.
       None of these forces.

O is it the parson they want, with white hair,
       Is it the parson, is it, is it?
No, they are passing his gateway, dear,
       Without a visit.

O it must be the farmer who lives so near.
       It must be the farmer so cunning, so cunning?
They have passed the farmyard already, dear,
       And now they are running.

O where are you going? Stay with me here!
       Were the vows you swore deceiving, deceiving?
No, I promised to love you, dear,
       But I must be leaving.

O it's broken the lock and splintered the door,
       O it's the gate where they're turning, turning;
Their boots are heavy on the floor
       And their eyes are burning.