Rise ! for the day is passing, 
And you lie dreaming on; 
The others have buckled their armor, 
And forth to the fight are gone: 
A place in the ranks awaits you, 
Each man has some part to play; 
The Past and Future are nothing, 
In the face of the stern To-day. 

Rise from your dreams of the Future, 
Of gaining some hard-fought field; 
Of storming some airy fortress, 
Or bidding some giant yield; 
Your Future has deeds of glory, 
Of honor (God giant it may!) 
But your arm will never be stronger, 
Or the need so great as To-day. 

Rise! if the Past detains you, 
Her sunshine and storms forget; 
No chains so unworthy to hold you 
As those of a vain regret: 
Sad or bright, she is lifeless ever; 
Cast her phantom arms away, 
Nor look back, save to learn the lesson 
Of a nobler strife To-day. 

ARise! for the day is passing; 
The sound that you scarcely hear 
Is the enemy marching to battle: — 
Arise! for the foe is here! 
Stay not to sharpen your weapons, 
Or the hour will strike at last, 
When from dreams of a coming battle, 
You may wake to find it past!