O what is that sound

   from Five Auden Songs

 

 

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.

 

— W.H. Auden