On tower, or fort, or tented ground
The sentry walks his lonely round;
And should a footstep haply stray,
Where caution marks the guarded way,
“Who goes there? Stranger, quickly tell.”
“A friend”—“The word.” “Good night;” “All’s well.”
Or sailing on the midnight deep,
When weary messmates soundly sleep,
The careful watch patrols the deck,
To guard the ship from foes or wreck;