Good men and rattling horses are not all that England needs;
She wants sound knowledge in the men, and training in the steeds.
Scouting and reconnaissance are not needed for the fox,
Nor "leading in big masses" for the furious final shocks,
When away the troopers go,
With a rally, rally, ho! &c.

But when a squadron charges on the real field of war,
Courage and a good seat alone will not go very far;
Our lads must "know their business," and their officers must "lead,"
Not with cross-country dash alone, but skill and prudent heed,
When away the troopers go,
With a rally, rally, ho! &c.

War's field will test the Cavalry, or clad in blue or red;
In all things they must "thorough" be, as well as thorough-bred.
"Heavy" or "light," they'll have to _fight_; not such mad, headlong fray,
As marked for fame with pride--and shame--that Balaklava day,
When away our lads did go,
With a rally, rally, ho! &c.

Eh? "Inefficient," Mr. BULL, "and not prepared for war?"
That judgment, if 'tis _near_ the truth, on patriot souls must jar.
And _Mr. Punch_ (Umpire-in-Chief) to JOHN (Paymaster), cries,
"You'll have to test the truth of this before the need arise
For our lads away to go.
With a rally, rally-ho!" &c

And since that Soldier's incomplete for _Duty_ unprepared,
Although he's game to dare the worst that ever Briton dared,