On the dusty earth-drum br Beats the falling rain; br Now a whispered murmur, br Now a louder strain. br br Slender, silvery drumsticks, br On an ancient drum, br Beat the mellow music br Bidding life to come. br br Chords of earth awakened, br Notes of greening spring, br Rise and fall triumphant br Over every thing. br br Slender, silvery drumsticks br Beat the long tattoo-- br God, the Great Musician, br Calling life anew.