William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
A Soldiers AdviceC
Learn with skill to draw a trigger;
Awkward men are weak as mice,
Dexterous men beat two men bigger!
Science in war conducts to fame:
Minerva wins Bellona’s game.
Foiling captains brave and witty:
Ramparts now explode in dust,
Miners take the strongest city.
Science in war conducts to fame,
Minerva wins Bellona’s game.
A veteran doubts his upper story,
In battle smiles to see him bolt:
Tactics lead the brave to glory!
Science in war conducts to fame;
Minerva wins Bellona’s game.
Steel is tough, though not a hatchet;
Give it shape and edge to shine,
Clumsy mallets never match it.
Science in war conducts to fame:—
Minerva wins Bellona’s game.
Mind your leader—hold your prattle;
Discipline must guide the blow
That decides your country’s battle.
Science in war conducts to fame;
Minerva wins Bellona’s game.