The Poetry Corner

Song For Canada.

By Charles Sangster

Sons of the race whose sires Aroused the martial flame That filled with smiles The triune Isles, Through all their heights of fame! With hearts as brave as theirs, With hopes as strong and high, We'll ne'er disgrace The honoured race Whose deeds can never die., Let but the rash intruder dare To touch our darling strand, The martial fires That thrilled our sires Would flame throughout the land. Our lakes are deep and wide, Our fields and forests broad; With cheerful air We'll speed the share, And break the fruitful sod; Till blest with rural peace, Proud of our rustic toil, On hill and plain True kings we'll reign, The victors of the soil. But let the rash intruder dare To touch our darling strand, The martial fires That thrilled our sires Would light him from the land. Health smiles with rosy face Amid our sunny dales, And torrents strong Fling hymn and song Through all the mossy vales; Our sons are living men, Our daughters fond and fair; A thousand isles Where Plenty smiles, Make glad the brow of Care. But let the rash intruder dare To touch our darling strand, The martial fires That thrilled our sires Would flame throughout the land. And if in future years One wretch should turn and fly, Let weeping Fame Blot out his name From Freedom's hallowed sky; Or should our sons e'er prove A coward, traitor race, - Just heaven! frown In thunder down, T' avenge the foul disgrace! But let the rash intruder dare To touch our darling strand, The martial fires That thrilled our sires Would light him from the land.