And there was mounting in hot haste—the steed,

The mustering squadron, and the clattering car,

Went pouring forward with impetuous speed,

And swiftly forming in the ranks of war—

And the deep thunder peal on peal afar;

And near, the beat of the alarming drum

Roused up the soldier ere the Morning Star;

While thronged the citizens with terror dumb,[hm]

Or whispering, with white lips—"The foe! They come! they come!"