English poem
Australia Speaks
by Gerald Massey (1828–1907)
What is the News to-day, Boys? Have they fired the Signal gun? We answer but one way, Boys; We are ready for the fray, Boys, All ready and all one!
They shall not say we boasted Of deeds that would be done; Or sat at home and toasted: We are marshall'd, drilled, and posted, All ready and all one!
We are not as driven cattle That would the conflict shun. They have to test our mettle As Volunteers of Battle, All ready and all one!
The life-streams of the Mother Through all her youngsters run, And brother stands by brother, To die with one another, All ready and all one!