Page 1
POEMS
OF
JAMES McINTYRE.
"Fair Canada is our Theme,
Land of rich cheese, milk and cream."
Land of rich cheese, milk and cream."
INGERSOLL:
PUBLISHED AT THE OFFICE OF THE CHRONICLE.
1889.
Registered, according to Act of Parliament,
in the year 1884, by
JAMES McINTYRE,
In the Office of the Minister of Agriculture.
TO THE PUBLIC.
e received so many kind assurances from friends in this neighborhood and from gentlemen at a distance who had taken an interest in our first little work, that they induce us to issue this more comprehensive volume containing about one hundred new pieces. We have written a number of dairy odes recently; these and our patriotic songs composed during the past year we trust will make the work more interesting. We publish a few short pieces from many letters and poems we received from friends. We hope the public will peruse the poems in a friendly spirit, as a kind feeling towards all of the nationalities forming this young and vigorous Dominion has prompted us to publish these selections from our poetic works.
JAMES McINTYRE,
Ingersoll, Ont.
SHORT EXTRACTS FROM POEMS AND LETTERS RECEIVED BY THE AUTHOR.
The following lines were received from Mr. William Murray of Hamilton:
"In writing you do not pretend
With Tennysonian themes to blend,
It is an independent style
Begotten on Canadian soil."
With Tennysonian themes to blend,
It is an independent style
Begotten on Canadian soil."
From one of Toronto's well known citizens, S. H. Janes, Esq., formerly of Oxford:
I wish to express to you my great pleasure in looking over your musings on the Banks of Canadian Thames. It seemed to transport my memory across the chasm of twenty-five years and to call up the scenes, associations and joys of boyhood's happy hour. Literary work of this kind must add greatly to your pleasure and happiness as it certainly does to that of your friends.
The Editor of the Toronto Globe, after reviewing a number of other books pronounced our little volume to be the gem of the table.
Col. Denison, Toronto's police magistrate, "found many most interesting pieces on Canadian subjects in the volume."
Joaquin Miller, the American poet, hailed me as "my dear poet of the Canadian pasture fields," and he said I did wisely in singing of useful themes.
N. C. Thompson of Rockford, Ill., wrote us a large number of verses. We select the following:
"Your poem on the Bard of Ayr,
I like the best, I think it rare,
An equal love of Burns I share,
And read him oft,
O could I write like him 'twould bear
My soul aloft."
I like the best, I think it rare,
An equal love of Burns I share,
And read him oft,
O could I write like him 'twould bear
My soul aloft."
Dr. Scadding, the Antiquarian, thought my poem on Father Rannie, the cheese pioneer, "had the ring of a fine old ballad about it."
From a poem by the Rev. John Dunbar, of Toronto, we give this extract:
As other duties made demand
I only got your poems scanned,
Marking the treatment of your pieces
While wonder and surprise increases,
Assured your book its way will win,
So neat without, so nice within,
Reserving as a promised pleasure
The thorough reading at my leisure,
Permit me now to each unknown
To thank you for the kindness shown.
I only got your poems scanned,
Marking the treatment of your pieces
While wonder and surprise increases,
Assured your book its way will win,
So neat without, so nice within,
Reserving as a promised pleasure
The thorough reading at my leisure,
Permit me now to each unknown
To thank you for the kindness shown.
The Hon. Oliver Mowat was pleased with the patriotic spirit displayed in the poems.
From George McIntyre of Conestoga:
Surprised, delighted, beyond measure,
I gazed upon the pretty treasure,
And as it gives me such great pleasure,
My thanks I send
To him who in his hours of leisure
Those verses penned.
I gazed upon the pretty treasure,
And as it gives me such great pleasure,
My thanks I send
To him who in his hours of leisure
Those verses penned.
A. G. Murray, a prominent clansman of Chicago, sent us the following:—I received your volume and I think a great deal of it. It is one of our family treasures and the reading of it brings before us the genial form of friend McIntyre, who pictures things so vividly, reminding us of days gone by.
From Rev. Robert Cameron of Denver, Colorado:
My whilom friend dear McIntyre,
Your book of rhymes has come,
Take thanks from all around our fire,
For all have said well done;
How many long and toilsome years
Have passed since first we met,
I was a lad twixt hopes and fears,
And you'r a poet yet.
Your book of rhymes has come,
Take thanks from all around our fire,
For all have said well done;
How many long and toilsome years
Have passed since first we met,
I was a lad twixt hopes and fears,
And you'r a poet yet.
CANADA BEFORE THE CONFEDERATION OF THE PROVINCES.
Canadian provinces they lay
Divided by river and by bay,
Many a separate division,
Among them there was no cohesion.
Divided by river and by bay,
Many a separate division,
Among them there was no cohesion.
But statesmen saw that a great nation
Could be formed by federation,
And soon they led public opinion
To favor forming this Dominion.
Could be formed by federation,
And soon they led public opinion
To favor forming this Dominion.
North-West with its streams and fountains,
With sources in the Rocky Mountains,
It was all a great mystery,
Hunting for furs its history.
With sources in the Rocky Mountains,
It was all a great mystery,
Hunting for furs its history.
Though North-West is filling slow
Yet soon there will be mighty flow,
Millions to North-West will hurry
In last decade of century.
Yet soon there will be mighty flow,
Millions to North-West will hurry
In last decade of century.
For therein is an opening grand
In great fertile prairie land,
For there the choicest wheat it grows
Near where the Saskatchewan flows.
In great fertile prairie land,
For there the choicest wheat it grows
Near where the Saskatchewan flows.
And on many a river's branch
There is found great grazing ranch,
Favoured districts therein abound
Where cattle graze
There is found great grazing ranch,
Favoured districts therein abound
Where cattle graze
Page 2
all the year round.
Protected from the stormy blast
By the Rocky Mountains vast,
Through canon blows no storm terrific,
But balmy breezes from Pacific.
By the Rocky Mountains vast,
Through canon blows no storm terrific,
But balmy breezes from Pacific.
CANADA'S FUTURE.
Canada is a young giant,
Has not yet acquired its strength,
On the arts of peace reliant,
Throughout its vast breadth and length.
Has not yet acquired its strength,
On the arts of peace reliant,
Throughout its vast breadth and length.
Though 'tis not famed for orange bowers
Nor for the products of its vines,
Though other lands have fairer flowers,
Yet it to nobler gifts inclines.
Nor for the products of its vines,
Though other lands have fairer flowers,
Yet it to nobler gifts inclines.
It doth produce the golden grain
And few lands can with it compete,
They often try but all in vain
To produce such splendid wheat.
And few lands can with it compete,
They often try but all in vain
To produce such splendid wheat.
Our geologists divine,
That ere long we will behold
Many a rich glittering mine
Of copper, silver and of gold.
That ere long we will behold
Many a rich glittering mine
Of copper, silver and of gold.
But we sing more glorious theme,
It is our verdant pasture land,
Where cows produce a flood of cream,
Doth make cheese of the finest brand.
It is our verdant pasture land,
Where cows produce a flood of cream,
Doth make cheese of the finest brand.
And great thoughts oftentimes awakes
When we reflect on this wondrous land,
With vast rivers and mighty lakes,
All nature here's on scale so grand.
When we reflect on this wondrous land,
With vast rivers and mighty lakes,
All nature here's on scale so grand.
Young Dominion so gigantic,
Where rail cars run at speed terrific,
Thousands of miles from the Atlantic,
Till in the West you reach Pacific.
Where rail cars run at speed terrific,
Thousands of miles from the Atlantic,
Till in the West you reach Pacific.
From balmy breezes of lake Erie
To the far north frozen ocean,
Where it now seems lone and dreary,
All will yet be life and motion.
To the far north frozen ocean,
Where it now seems lone and dreary,
All will yet be life and motion.
Though nation's young its powerful fleet
Doth sail on many a distant sea,
For world's commerce to compete
Her sails in all climes flowing free.
Doth sail on many a distant sea,
For world's commerce to compete
Her sails in all climes flowing free.
BIRTH OF CANADA AS A NATION, JULY FIRST, 1867.
Hail Britannia's noblest daughter,
Who is surrounded by the water
Of many a lake and broad sea,
Land of beaver and of maple tree.
Who is surrounded by the water
Of many a lake and broad sea,
Land of beaver and of maple tree.
Her lofty brow is wreathed with smiles,
For from the far Atlantic isles
In pomp have come their delegates,
All seeking to unite their fates.
For from the far Atlantic isles
In pomp have come their delegates,
All seeking to unite their fates.
With Canada great northern queen,
And now throughout the land is seen,
High festival and stately dance,
Triumphant nuptials to advance.
And now throughout the land is seen,
High festival and stately dance,
Triumphant nuptials to advance.
And soon shall Red River valley
And distant Vancouver rally,
To form this Empire gigantic
From Pacific to Atlantic.
And distant Vancouver rally,
To form this Empire gigantic
From Pacific to Atlantic.
WELCOME TO THE PRINCE OF WALES.
Lines written when the Prince of Wales was about embarking for Canada, May, 1860.
In his long voyage o'er the sea,
To where doth grow the maple tree,
May he be blest with pleasant gales,
The coming man, the Prince of Wales.
To where doth grow the maple tree,
May he be blest with pleasant gales,
The coming man, the Prince of Wales.
The maple grows but in good soil,
Where nature doth reward for toil
The farmer splitting his fence rails,
He welcome bids the Prince of Wales.
Where nature doth reward for toil
The farmer splitting his fence rails,
He welcome bids the Prince of Wales.
In the woods the axe is ringing
And the yeoman merry singing,
The song resounds o'er hills and dales,
Our future king the Prince of Wales.
And the yeoman merry singing,
The song resounds o'er hills and dales,
Our future king the Prince of Wales.
Round the brow of our future chief
We'll weave a wreath of maple leaf,
For o'er broad Canada prevails
Kind feelings to the Prince of Wales.
We'll weave a wreath of maple leaf,
For o'er broad Canada prevails
Kind feelings to the Prince of Wales.
When in this land the Prince arrives,
May he have many pleasant drives,
And on our lakes have merry sails,
Great king of princes, Prince of Wales.
May he have many pleasant drives,
And on our lakes have merry sails,
Great king of princes, Prince of Wales.
CANADA'S RESOURCES.
Small Scotland nobly held its own
Against the might of England's throne,
And shall this land with its vast bounds
Shrink with fear ere the trumpet sounds.
Against the might of England's throne,
And shall this land with its vast bounds
Shrink with fear ere the trumpet sounds.
While British blood doth course each vein,
Proudly this heritage maintain,
With fertile acres by the billions,
Future homes for two hundred millions.
Proudly this heritage maintain,
With fertile acres by the billions,
Future homes for two hundred millions.
Each son could have a fertile farm,
Brave men who ne'er will feel alarm,
And they have both the nerve and skill
To work land with a right good will.
Brave men who ne'er will feel alarm,
And they have both the nerve and skill
To work land with a right good will.
And she has got within her shores
Renowned mines of many ores,
While her furnaces and forges
Iron in useful shape disgorges.
Renowned mines of many ores,
While her furnaces and forges
Iron in useful shape disgorges.
Her mighty forests they do yield
Lumber, her cities for to build,
But her wealth is not in these alone,
She has great quarries too of stone.
Lumber, her cities for to build,
But her wealth is not in these alone,
She has great quarries too of stone.
Industry it here doth bloom,
And skilful webs come from each loom,
One of great nations under sun,
A mightier race it yet will run.
And skilful webs come from each loom,
One of great nations under sun,
A mightier race it yet will run.
For with the Anglo-Saxon race
No other people can keep pace,
Here they have room for to expand
Into a nation mighty grand.
No other people can keep pace,
Here they have room for to expand
Into a nation mighty grand.
With great railroads and canals,
And care in legislative
And care in legislative
Page 3
halls,
A mighty future she will gain,
And highest rank she will obtain.
A mighty future she will gain,
And highest rank she will obtain.
Canada hopes it will be told,
That she hath patriots brave and bold,
To guide her helm shall be extolled,
As loving country more than gold.
That she hath patriots brave and bold,
To guide her helm shall be extolled,
As loving country more than gold.
NORTH-WEST REBELLION, 1885.
Hail Canada our young fair land,
The world's respect it doth command;
How quick her sons at war's alarms
Sprang to her rescue with their arms.
The world's respect it doth command;
How quick her sons at war's alarms
Sprang to her rescue with their arms.
In Canada the English rose,
The shamrock and the thistle grows,
United garland they combine
Around the maple tree to twine.
The shamrock and the thistle grows,
United garland they combine
Around the maple tree to twine.
They did march a brave gallant host
From the far East Atlantic coast,
Our Canada so proud and free,
Four thousand miles from sea to sea.
From the far East Atlantic coast,
Our Canada so proud and free,
Four thousand miles from sea to sea.
Though skilful rebels did entrench,
But their deadly fires our boys did quench,
And victory it soon was won
By our General Middleton.
But their deadly fires our boys did quench,
And victory it soon was won
By our General Middleton.
And Colonel Williams left a name
For Canada's temple of fame,
A kind and a brave hearted man
In hour of danger led the van.
For Canada's temple of fame,
A kind and a brave hearted man
In hour of danger led the van.
The ninetieth regiment it fought well,
And Winnipeg doth its glories tell,
London boasts of her volunteers,
For she prides in her Fusiliers.
And Winnipeg doth its glories tell,
London boasts of her volunteers,
For she prides in her Fusiliers.
Toronto troops have gained renown,
And triumph their quick march did crown,
For the relief of Battleford,
And scattering of the Indian horde.
And triumph their quick march did crown,
For the relief of Battleford,
And scattering of the Indian horde.
Our volunteers took up their arms,
Each left his home and all its charms;
Though many they were tender reared,
No frost nor snow nor foe they feared.
Each left his home and all its charms;
Though many they were tender reared,
No frost nor snow nor foe they feared.
Alas that youth so true and brave,
So many now do fill a grave,
And others they are maimed for life,
While engaged in glorious strife.
So many now do fill a grave,
And others they are maimed for life,
While engaged in glorious strife.
We have sprung from a good brave stock,
Rose, thistle and the shamrock,
Who all in unity agree,
'Neath the shade of the maple tree.
Rose, thistle and the shamrock,
Who all in unity agree,
'Neath the shade of the maple tree.
The Indians soon came to grief,
Under their great Poundmaker chief,
And Toronto troops gained fame
And Otter glory to his name.
Under their great Poundmaker chief,
And Toronto troops gained fame
And Otter glory to his name.
We all felt proud of our gunboat
And the brave crew of the Northcote,
And of our scouts who captured Riel,
Who in vain for mercy did appeal.
And the brave crew of the Northcote,
And of our scouts who captured Riel,
Who in vain for mercy did appeal.
And may all quickly come to grief
Who do not love the maple leaf,
For they spring from a noble tree,
Shades this land of the brave and free.
Who do not love the maple leaf,
For they spring from a noble tree,
Shades this land of the brave and free.
BIG BEAR THE INDIAN CHIEF.
The following impromptu was given at a banquet to one of the captives of Fort Pit after he had related his experience.
Sad memories it doth awake,
The death of those fell at Frog Lake,
And trials of captives of Fort Pit
When savages did capture it.
The death of those fell at Frog Lake,
And trials of captives of Fort Pit
When savages did capture it.
But soon Generals Strange and Steel
Made savage hordes their power to feel,
And they rescued women fair
From the paws of the Big Bear.
Made savage hordes their power to feel,
And they rescued women fair
From the paws of the Big Bear.
Captives for days had naught to eat
But steaks of tough and lean dog meat,
In daily danger of their lives
From bullets and from scalping knives.
But steaks of tough and lean dog meat,
In daily danger of their lives
From bullets and from scalping knives.
When building big lodge for war dance,
The cry is heard, the troops advance,
To the white captives sounds so sweet,
But savages they quick retreat.
The cry is heard, the troops advance,
To the white captives sounds so sweet,
But savages they quick retreat.
A thrilling tale our guest[A] did tell,
That close to him fell bursting shell,
This shot it was not fired in vain,
For several savages were slain.
That close to him fell bursting shell,
This shot it was not fired in vain,
For several savages were slain.
Our bold troops great danger braved,
So that white captives might be saved,
Who suffered hunger, cold and damp,
'Mong savage hordes in bush and swamp.
So that white captives might be saved,
Who suffered hunger, cold and damp,
'Mong savage hordes in bush and swamp.
Big Bear now they have pared his claws,
He must atone for broken laws,
Far away from his native lair,
In prison strong they put Big Bear.
He must atone for broken laws,
Far away from his native lair,
In prison strong they put Big Bear.
[A] Mr. Stanley Simpson.
REMINISCENCES
On the laying of the corner stone of the Brock monument at Queenston Heights, and the final interment of the General who had fallen at the battle of Queenston, Oct. 13th, 1812. The remains of his Aide, Col. McDonald, were also deposited under the new tower.
A wail went o'er broad Canada,
When it was known a vile outlaw
Had at midnight's awful hour,
With ruffian hand blown up the tower.
When it was known a vile outlaw
Had at midnight's awful hour,
With ruffian hand blown up the tower.
'Neath which had slept the gallant Brock
Who bravely fell on Queenston's rock,
But graceful column soon shall rise,
Its beauteous shaft will kiss the skies.
Who bravely fell on Queenston's rock,
But graceful column soon shall rise,
Its beauteous shaft will kiss the skies.
For from Queenston's woody height
You may behold a pleasing sight,
The grim old veterans of the war,
Militiamen with many a
You may behold a pleasing sight,
The grim old veterans of the war,
Militiamen with many a
Page 4
scar.
Indian braves from each nation,
Grouped to pay their last ovation,
Round the remains of General Brock,
Who led them oft in battle's shock.
Grouped to pay their last ovation,
Round the remains of General Brock,
Who led them oft in battle's shock.
Old heroes now again do rally,
Feebly they move along the valley,
Not as they rushed in days of yore
When torrent like they onward bore.
Feebly they move along the valley,
Not as they rushed in days of yore
When torrent like they onward bore.
And swept away the foeman's ranks
O'er Niagara's rugged banks,
So indignant was their grief
On losing of their warrior chief.
O'er Niagara's rugged banks,
So indignant was their grief
On losing of their warrior chief.
Now with triumphant funeral car,
Adorned with implements of war,
The sad procession slow ascends,
As round the hill its way it wends.
Adorned with implements of war,
The sad procession slow ascends,
As round the hill its way it wends.
Marching to mournful, solemn note,
While grand old flags around it float,
And now may peace be never broken
'Mong lands where Saxon tongue is spoken.
While grand old flags around it float,
And now may peace be never broken
'Mong lands where Saxon tongue is spoken.
"For peace hath victories by far
More glorious than horrid war,"
England doth Longfellow revere,
And America loves Shakespeare.
More glorious than horrid war,"
England doth Longfellow revere,
And America loves Shakespeare.
The oration on the above interesting occasion was delivered by the late Hon. William H. Merritt, projector of the Welland Canal. He served at the battle when a young man. We witnessed the interesting ceremony and shall never forget it.
PATRIOTIC ODE
Written at the time of the last excitement on the Niagara Frontier.
Rejoice, rejoice, we all do stand,
United in one mighty band;
No traitors in our land we find,
All one in heart, all one in mind;
Resolute in their opinion,
None shall conquer our Dominion;
For every man with dauntless mien
Will rally round our flag and Queen.
United in one mighty band;
No traitors in our land we find,
All one in heart, all one in mind;
Resolute in their opinion,
None shall conquer our Dominion;
For every man with dauntless mien
Will rally round our flag and Queen.
PROVINCE OF ONTARIO.
In the land of woods and lakes,
Pure happiness each one partakes,
Who is sound in body and in mind,
And to industry is inclined.
Pure happiness each one partakes,
Who is sound in body and in mind,
And to industry is inclined.
Here in great lakes we do take pride,
And them with Uncle Sam divide,
Other lakes seem inferior
In size to great Superior.
And them with Uncle Sam divide,
Other lakes seem inferior
In size to great Superior.
And Canadians do take pride,
In Huron's wide expanded tide,
But it onward flows forever,
Through St. Clair lake and river.
In Huron's wide expanded tide,
But it onward flows forever,
Through St. Clair lake and river.
But soon again it doth expand,
Into Erie's lake so grand,
Then behold its wondrous charms,
When embraced in Niagara's arms.
Into Erie's lake so grand,
Then behold its wondrous charms,
When embraced in Niagara's arms.
Then it more blessings doth bestow,
On pure bosom of Ontario,
Round it our towns and cities cluster,
O'er it Toronto sheds her lustre.
On pure bosom of Ontario,
Round it our towns and cities cluster,
O'er it Toronto sheds her lustre.
And Ontario doth awake,
The thought that 'tis our favorite lake;
Several states approach Lake Erie,
Each one claiming it for dearie.
The thought that 'tis our favorite lake;
Several states approach Lake Erie,
Each one claiming it for dearie.
But our fires of love do glow,
Alone for Lake Ontario,
Our love for it is so unbounded,
We have almost it surrounded.
Alone for Lake Ontario,
Our love for it is so unbounded,
We have almost it surrounded.
And the lands around its beaches,
They are famed for grapes and peaches,
'Mong choicest fruits you ramble on
From Niagara to Hamilton.
They are famed for grapes and peaches,
'Mong choicest fruits you ramble on
From Niagara to Hamilton.
Ontario North is land of pines,
A land of lakes and rocks and mines,
And beneath dark pine tree shade,
How happy is the youth and maid.
A land of lakes and rocks and mines,
And beneath dark pine tree shade,
How happy is the youth and maid.
For here in summer you keep cool,
And fish for trout in sparkling pool,
For pike or salmon you can spear,
And in the season hunt the deer.
And fish for trout in sparkling pool,
For pike or salmon you can spear,
And in the season hunt the deer.
In great northern hunting ground,
Where both fish and game abound,
And verdant pastures here are seen,
Where cattle graze 'mong sweetest green.
Where both fish and game abound,
And verdant pastures here are seen,
Where cattle graze 'mong sweetest green.
In the far north a land of pines,
And in the south we have the vines,
Where each year adds into the charms,
Surrounds the homesteads on the farms.
And in the south we have the vines,
Where each year adds into the charms,
Surrounds the homesteads on the farms.
Nature our province doth endow,
With hardy sons to guide the plow,
In south we have the fruitful soil,
Where nature's bounties on us smile.
With hardy sons to guide the plow,
In south we have the fruitful soil,
Where nature's bounties on us smile.
We have got rich plains and highlands,
Ontario hath thousand islands,
And there is a great array
Of charming isles on Georgian Bay.
Ontario hath thousand islands,
And there is a great array
Of charming isles on Georgian Bay.
And travellers all they do adore,
The lovely isles near Huron's shore,
Superior makes a grand display,
All round her shores to Thunder Bay.
The lovely isles near Huron's shore,
Superior makes a grand display,
All round her shores to Thunder Bay.
Muskoka's famed for woods and brakes,
For rocks and meadows and clear lakes,
And sportsmen for it proudly claim
That 'tis a land for fish and game.
For rocks and meadows and clear lakes,
And sportsmen for it proudly claim
That 'tis a land for fish and game.
There doth arise a sweet aroma
From great spruce forests of Algoma,
And from the poplar, birch and pine,
There too is wealth in many a mine.
From great spruce forests of Algoma,
And from the poplar, birch and pine,
There too is wealth in many a mine.
It may be that of mines the best,
Will be found in Ontario West,
Stretching towards the interior,
Three hundred miles west of Superior.
Will be found in Ontario West,
Stretching towards the interior,
Three hundred miles west of Superior.
Essex is our sunny south,
At the Detroit river's mouth,
There the sun doth cheerful smile
On the grape vineyards of Pelee Isle.
At the Detroit river's mouth,
There the sun doth cheerful smile
On the grape vineyards of Pelee Isle.
Page 5
Pioneer's axe it now doth ring,
On the shores of Nipissing,
And some do locate claims away
To distant north around James' Bay.
On the shores of Nipissing,
And some do locate claims away
To distant north around James' Bay.
CANADIAN RIVERS AND LAKES.
We have here a sight as fair
As bonnie Doon or banks of Ayr,
Like modest worth meandering slow
The quiet waters gently flow,
Rose, thistle, shamrock, all combine,
Around the maple leaf to twine,
Whose outstretched arms so gigantic
Clasp Pacific and Atlantic,
Embracing lakes like burnished gold,
With joy a Shakespeare might behold,
For either Poet Burns or Moore[B]
Such scenery they would adore.
As bonnie Doon or banks of Ayr,
Like modest worth meandering slow
The quiet waters gently flow,
Rose, thistle, shamrock, all combine,
Around the maple leaf to twine,
Whose outstretched arms so gigantic
Clasp Pacific and Atlantic,
Embracing lakes like burnished gold,
With joy a Shakespeare might behold,
For either Poet Burns or Moore[B]
Such scenery they would adore.
[B] Tom Moore paddled his own canoe along the Canadian shore of Lake Erie and was enraptured with the view. He landed and remained over night at a farm house. His Canadian Boat Song is immortal.
NIAGARA DRY.
It happened once in early spring,
While there did float great thick ice cakes,
That then a gale did quickly bring
Them all down from the upper lakes.
While there did float great thick ice cakes,
That then a gale did quickly bring
Them all down from the upper lakes.
And from Buffalo to Lake Erie,
Across the entrance to river,
It was a scene of icebergs dreary,
Those who saw will remember ever.
Across the entrance to river,
It was a scene of icebergs dreary,
Those who saw will remember ever.
Then gale blew up lake and river,
And left Niagara almost dry,
This a lady did discover
As above the Falls she cast her eye.
And left Niagara almost dry,
This a lady did discover
As above the Falls she cast her eye.
Such scene it had been witnessed never,
Since Israelites crossed the Red Sea,
When they had resolved forever
From Pharaoh's bondage to flee.
Since Israelites crossed the Red Sea,
When they had resolved forever
From Pharaoh's bondage to flee.
Lady she resolved to venture,
Proudly carrying British flag,
Erecting it in river's centre
In crevice of a rocky crag.
Proudly carrying British flag,
Erecting it in river's centre
In crevice of a rocky crag.
It seems like a romance by Bulwer,
How she captured Niagara,
But it was seen by Bishop Fuller,
Who did at sight of flag hurrah.
How she captured Niagara,
But it was seen by Bishop Fuller,
Who did at sight of flag hurrah.
Ten thousand years may die away
Before another dry can tread,
In bottom of Niagara,
For she doth jealous guard her bed.
Before another dry can tread,
In bottom of Niagara,
For she doth jealous guard her bed.
But ice her entrance did blockade,
And wind it kept the waters back,
So that a child could almost wade
Across the brink of cataract.
And wind it kept the waters back,
So that a child could almost wade
Across the brink of cataract.
UNITED BY STEEL RAILS.
When Indian tribes in the Northwest
Rebelled against the Eastern laws,
Canadian courage it did test,
All were united in the cause.
Rebelled against the Eastern laws,
Canadian courage it did test,
All were united in the cause.
But how shall volunteers proceed
Such distance, several thousand miles,
Will they in their dark hour of need
Ask Uncle Sam with pleasant smiles
Such distance, several thousand miles,
Will they in their dark hour of need
Ask Uncle Sam with pleasant smiles
For to allow our volunteers
To pass o'er their north railroad,
Perhaps subject to doubts and fears,
Where British soldiers never trod.
To pass o'er their north railroad,
Perhaps subject to doubts and fears,
Where British soldiers never trod.
But there went up a glad hurrah
When it was found that in our land,
Almost finished was railway,
And trains do wait for word command,
When it was found that in our land,
Almost finished was railway,
And trains do wait for word command,
To bear away our volunteers
To those far North distant lands,
But dispelled were all their fears
When they rode over those steel bands,
To those far North distant lands,
But dispelled were all their fears
When they rode over those steel bands,
Which bound young nation all in one,
Before detached and all apart,
Shoulder to shoulder now each one
Feels patriot feelings in his heart,
Before detached and all apart,
Shoulder to shoulder now each one
Feels patriot feelings in his heart,
First time we truly realize
The value of this great railway,
Its benefits each now doth prize,
Highway to Japan and Australia.
The value of this great railway,
Its benefits each now doth prize,
Highway to Japan and Australia.
The policy it has proved wise,
Which did build this great railway,
The vast Northwest to colonize,
And bear its products far away.
Which did build this great railway,
The vast Northwest to colonize,
And bear its products far away.
Canadian flags are now unfurled
In the ports of the Chinese,
Short route to Oriental world
Gives Canada her cheap fine teas.
In the ports of the Chinese,
Short route to Oriental world
Gives Canada her cheap fine teas.
LORNE AND LOUISE.
Lines written on the arrival of Governor Lorne and the Princess Louise in Canada.
The tidings now all hearts do please,
That she has landed safe, Louise,
Victoria's beloved daughter,
Who boldly has crossed the water,
For royal Princess doth adorn
The title of the Lord of Lorne,
For this union it doth join
Campbell with Royal Stewart line;
Lorne will be Duke of broad Argyle,
And the Lord of many an Isle.
When he inherits broad domain
May he strive tenants hearts to gain.
To us it seems a brighter morn
Hath dawned on us with Governor Lorne,
And when they visited this place
True happiness beamed on each face,
The first white child who here was born
Presented was to Governor Lorne,
From Forest 'ere it was
That she has landed safe, Louise,
Victoria's beloved daughter,
Who boldly has crossed the water,
For royal Princess doth adorn
The title of the Lord of Lorne,
For this union it doth join
Campbell with Royal Stewart line;
Lorne will be Duke of broad Argyle,
And the Lord of many an Isle.
When he inherits broad domain
May he strive tenants hearts to gain.
To us it seems a brighter morn
Hath dawned on us with Governor Lorne,
And when they visited this place
True happiness beamed on each face,
The first white child who here was born
Presented was to Governor Lorne,
From Forest 'ere it was
Page 6
reclaimed,
Our fine town after him was named.
Our fine town after him was named.
CANADIAN SPORTS AND GAMES AND PLAYS.
Burns sang of joys of Hallowe'en
But in Canada is often seen
By far more jolly times than these
At logging raising, paring bees,
For here the youth is not afraid
To trip it with a pretty maid,
For this at night is his reward
For working at the bee so hard,
And oft times till the break of day
At forfeits they will merry play,
For he doth win e'en though he miss,
If from sweet lass he gets a kiss,
But in its place doth justly prize
His tea and cakes and pumpkin pies.
But in Canada is often seen
By far more jolly times than these
At logging raising, paring bees,
For here the youth is not afraid
To trip it with a pretty maid,
For this at night is his reward
For working at the bee so hard,
And oft times till the break of day
At forfeits they will merry play,
For he doth win e'en though he miss,
If from sweet lass he gets a kiss,
But in its place doth justly prize
His tea and cakes and pumpkin pies.
When winter comes it brings no gloom
But makes fresh pleasures spring and bloom,
For when the youth longs for a bride
He gives his girl a grand sleigh ride,
Which to them both doth pleasures bring
While merry sleigh bells cheery ring,
And with the fair maid of his choice
He graceful skates with her on ice,
Charming mode of locomotion
Gliding o'er a polished ocean,
Such joys they soon do love evolve,
And they on union do resolve,
He is happy with his chosen,
For warm love gets never frozen.
But makes fresh pleasures spring and bloom,
For when the youth longs for a bride
He gives his girl a grand sleigh ride,
Which to them both doth pleasures bring
While merry sleigh bells cheery ring,
And with the fair maid of his choice
He graceful skates with her on ice,
Charming mode of locomotion
Gliding o'er a polished ocean,
Such joys they soon do love evolve,
And they on union do resolve,
He is happy with his chosen,
For warm love gets never frozen.
And young folks oft they do take pride,
How swift they down the hill can glide,
And they bravely dare the frost king
So they may enjoy the coasting,
Each striving for to lead the van
In the swift shooting toboggan.
How swift they down the hill can glide,
And they bravely dare the frost king
So they may enjoy the coasting,
Each striving for to lead the van
In the swift shooting toboggan.
And on the ice men love to hurl
The polished blocks to skilful curl,
And curlers all do proudly claim
Their's is a manly healthy game,
And in Canadians you trace
A generous, hardy and brave race.
The polished blocks to skilful curl,
And curlers all do proudly claim
Their's is a manly healthy game,
And in Canadians you trace
A generous, hardy and brave race.
And brilliant as a fairy hall
Is scenes on ice at carnival,
Before the gale in an ice boat
It swiftly o'er the ice doth float,
The sensation is you fly
Like lightning shooting through the sky.
Is scenes on ice at carnival,
Before the gale in an ice boat
It swiftly o'er the ice doth float,
The sensation is you fly
Like lightning shooting through the sky.
In summer time the youth do toss
The baseball and do play lacrosse,
And tradition doth for it claim
That 'tis an ancient Indian game,
And if a foe invade we can,
Drive them back with clubs Canadian.
The baseball and do play lacrosse,
And tradition doth for it claim
That 'tis an ancient Indian game,
And if a foe invade we can,
Drive them back with clubs Canadian.
NIAGARA'S CHARMS AND DEATH OF WEBB.
Gazing on rapids mighty sea,
Struggling fiercely to be free,
But drawn downwards in its course
By gravitation's wondrous force,
O'er those perpendicular walls,
Hurled 'mong mighty rocks it falls,
Causing the earth to throb and shake
Like to the tremor of earthquake.
Struggling fiercely to be free,
But drawn downwards in its course
By gravitation's wondrous force,
O'er those perpendicular walls,
Hurled 'mong mighty rocks it falls,
Causing the earth to throb and shake
Like to the tremor of earthquake.
Thus the world's greatest wonder
Reverberates like peals of thunder,
Enshrined with mist and beauteous glow
Of varied tints of the rainbow,
Most glorious sight the human eye
Hath ever seen beneath the sky,
Along these banks none ever trod
But did feel grateful to his God,
For lavishing with bounteous hand
Glories majestic and so grand.
Reverberates like peals of thunder,
Enshrined with mist and beauteous glow
Of varied tints of the rainbow,
Most glorious sight the human eye
Hath ever seen beneath the sky,
Along these banks none ever trod
But did feel grateful to his God,
For lavishing with bounteous hand
Glories majestic and so grand.
The foaming billows soon are seen
Transformed into a beauteous green,
Plunged by whirlpools dread commotion
It becomes a seething ocean,
Where furies join in surging dance
From centre to circumference,
This is the favorite abode
Of Neptune, mightiest sea God,
He hath decreed none shall survive
Who will into this vortex dive.
Transformed into a beauteous green,
Plunged by whirlpools dread commotion
It becomes a seething ocean,
Where furies join in surging dance
From centre to circumference,
This is the favorite abode
Of Neptune, mightiest sea God,
He hath decreed none shall survive
Who will into this vortex dive.
Webb swam the English channel brave,
Like seabird he did love to lave
His breast upon the mightiest wave,
Alas, found here a watery grave;
Torrent onward rushes frantic
On its course to the Atlantic,
But on its way doth gently flow
Through blue lake Ontario,
Rejoicing on its way it smiles,
Kissing the shores of Thousand Isles,
Mingling with St. Lawrance motion,
It soon is blended with the ocean.
Like seabird he did love to lave
His breast upon the mightiest wave,
Alas, found here a watery grave;
Torrent onward rushes frantic
On its course to the Atlantic,
But on its way doth gently flow
Through blue lake Ontario,
Rejoicing on its way it smiles,
Kissing the shores of Thousand Isles,
Mingling with St. Lawrance motion,
It soon is blended with the ocean.
DEPARTED STATESMEN.
With a glance at Sir John A. Macdonald and Blake, the two living leaders, 1884.