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1850–1919

TEN THOUSAND MEN A DAY

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

All the world was wearying, All the world was sad; Everything was shadow-filled; Things were going bad.

Then a rumour stirred all hearts As a wind stirs trees - Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas!

Soon we saw them marching by - God! what a sight! - Shoulders back, and heads erect, Faces full of light.

Smiling like a morn in May, Moving like a breeze, Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas.

Weary soldiers worn with war Lifted up their eyes, Shadows seemed to fade a bit, Dawn was in the skies.

Hope sprang to troubled hearts, Strength to tired knees: Ten thousand men a day Were coming over seas.

France and England swarmed with them, Khaki-clad and young, Filled with all the joy of life - Into line they swung.

Waning valour rose anew At the sight of these Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas.

Still they come — and still they come In their strength and pride. Victory with radiant mien Marches on beside.

Victory is here to stay, Every heart agrees, With ten thousand men a day Coming over seas.

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TEN THOUSAND MEN A DAY · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove