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Words by H. F. Chorley

Published 1868

MIDI File [16KB, 2' 42"]

Download score as a PDF file. Original version for men's voices [790 KB] Arranged for mixed voices [803 KB] Male Voice version published by Novello at IMSLP

Fling wide the gate! come out!
Dauntless and true.
Brothers of heart be stout,
We are but few.
Bring from the battlements our flag again,
Tho' by the leaguer rent,
It hath no stain,
Tho' by the leaguer rent,
It hath no stain.
Tho' by the leaguer rent,
It hath no stain.

Mothers and wives to prayer,
From morn till eve.
The Lord of Hosts will care for all we leave,
Plead that we sought not fight, nor chose the field.
But every free heart's right we dare not yield,
But every free heart's right we dare not yield.

Who needs the trumpet blown to make him bold?
Who speaks in undertone of ransom gold?
Let such his counsel hide in vault or cave,
We have no time to chide a willing slave.
Let such his counsel hide in vault or cave,
We have no time to chide a willing slave.

Mothers and wives to prayer,
Relief is nigh,
For you each arm will dare,
Deeds not to die,
For sure as fire doth blaze,
Or foams the sea,
You shall tonight upraise
Songs of the Free!

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