← Sleeping on Guard Hymns and Tunes (1888) · No. 1387

Sleeping on Guard

Out from the camp-fire's red glowing,

1

Out from the camp-fire's red glowing,Cheerfully shedding its light,On to the pickets we're going,For the long watches of night;Let us be careful that slumberPress not our eye-lids too hard,—Surely not one of our numberMust be found sleeping on guard.

Chorus.

Yes, sleeping on guard, Sleeping on guard,Sleeping on guard,No! surely not one of our numberMust be found sleeping on guard.

2

Yonder Rum's camp-lights are burning;Hark to the revelry there!Waiting the conflict returning,Scouts are abroad ev'rywhere;We must be watchful and ready,See ev'ry entrance is barred,Keeping our heads cool and steady;—All is lost, sleeping on guard.

3

Our aim is vigilance ever,We can allow no defeat;True hearted soldiers will neverJoin in the coward's retreat;Wary and watchful be keeping,Tho' the task be e'er so hard,Knowing what dangers come creepingWhen we are sleeping on guard.