In days long ago, when old England was young, <br />Her bows were the toughest that ever were strung, <br />And fearless and frank in their heart and their tongue <br />Were those old archers of England, <br />Like her young riflemen now. <br /> <br />In days long ago all her yeoman went arm'd, <br />And sturdily fought, though they steadily farm'd, <br />And England's sweet daughters were either way charm'd <br />With the bold archers of England, <br />Like her young riflemen now. <br /> <br />In days long ago we were famed even then, <br />And ever shall be so till no one knows when, <br />For pretty girls loving the bravest men, <br />Those merrymen archers of England, <br />Like her young riflemen now. <br /> <br />In days long ago, all the world was in fear <br />Of England's old bowmen, and dared not come here; <br />And now shall invaders keep equally clear, <br />As with those archers of England, <br />Like her young riflemen now. <br /> <br />Since in <br />our <br />days, as in days long ago, <br />When Edwards and Harrys were feared by the foe, <br />For England we stand, and we'll let the world know <br />That sons of those archers of England, <br />Are her young riflemen now!<br /><br />Martin Farquhar Tupper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/bows-and-rifles-a-song-for-volunteers/
