midnight
The stanzas of the conservative Chenier , adapted to a music of warlike solemnity , were resounding through the streets , at the same time as the Marseillaise : La Republique nous appelle . Sachons vaincre ou sachons perir ; Un francais doit vivre pour elle . Pour elle un francais doit mourir . The mobilization began at midnight to the minute . At dusk , groups of men began moving through the streets towards the stations . Their families were walking beside them , carrying the valise or bundle of clothes . They were escorted by the friends of their district , the tricolored flag borne aloft at the head of these platoons .