O what is that sound which so thrills the ear
Down in the valley drumming, drumming?
Only the scarlet soldiers, dear,
The soldiers coming.
O what is that light I see flashing so clear
Over the distance brightly, brightly?
Only the sun on their weapons, dear,
As they step lightly.
O what are they doing with all that gear,
What are they doing this morning, this morning?
Only their usual manoeuvres, dear,
Or perhaps a warning.
O why have they left the road down there,
Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling?
This line tells us the army are a familiar presence to the second speaker, since they identify ‘their usual manoeuvres’. The army has not suddenly arrived in the area, it has been there for some time. It is also the final time the second speaker reassures the first.
O What Is That Sound