[ale] Text compiler

[Calvin Harrigan]

Hi all,
     I've been looking for a tool that I can only describe as a text 
compiler. The basic feature would be the ability to use something like 
includes within a template file that references external files and 
compile an output file that would be the amalgam of the text in the 
template and the text of the referenced files.  Have you come across 
anything that does this?  I've turned up at least one candidate, but was 
hoping for some more ideas.  I guess I can code/script something up, but 
time isn't on my side. Especially if it has been done before.

Thanks