Beat! beat! drums! - blow! bugles! blow!
Through the windows - through doors - burst like a ruthless force
Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation
Into the school where the scholar is studying;
Leave not the bridegroom quiet - no happiness must he have now with his bride
Nor the peaceful farmer any peace, ploughing his field or gathering his grain
So fierce you whirr and pound, you drums - so shrill you bugles blow

Beat! beat! drums! - blow! bugles! blow!
Over the traffic of cities - over the rumble of wheels in the streets;
Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses?
No sleepers must sleep in those beds --
No bargainers bargains by day - no brokers or speculators - would they continue?
Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt to sing?
Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case before the judge?
Then rattle quicker, heavier drums -- you bugles wilder blow

Beat! beat! drums! - blow! bugles! blow!
Make no parley - stop for no expostulation
Mind not the timid - mind not the weeper or prayer
Mind not the old man beseeching the young man
Let not the child's voice be heard, nor the mother's entreaties
Make even the trestles to shake the dead where they lie awaiting the hearses
So strong you thump O terrible drums - so loud you bugles blow