With banners furled and clarions mute, br An army passes in the night; br And beaming spears and helms salute br The dark with bright. br br In silence deep the legions stream, br With open ranks, in order true; br Over boundless plains they stream and br gleam-- br No chief in view! br br Afar, in twinkling distance lost, br (So legends tell) he lonely wends br And back through all that shining host br His mandate sends.