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■ ,:3 I U ;-- • t> 
 
 •OvS 
 
 The Great Election 
 
 By 
 
 James D. Qillis 
 
 Author of the ''Cape Breton Giant" 
 
1 
 
1 
 
 THE GREAT ELECTION 
 
\^ 
 
THE GREAT ELECTION 
 
 By 
 
 JAMES D. GILLIS, TEACHER 
 
 Author of the "C. B. Giant'' 
 and Canadian Grammar 
 
 DEDICATED T O 
 
 DR. A. H. MCKAY, 
 
 HALIFAX 
 
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 
 
 T. C. ALLEN & CO., HALIFAX 
 
--I (^ 
 
 "^ ^ ® 
 
PREFACE 
 
 This book presumes to show a view of Cape 
 Breton about the second quarter of the 19th 
 century. In those days, as now, the opponents 
 of King Hacon had adamantine tempers. They 
 made for peace but difficulties never laid them 
 low. 
 
 History and geography hinge on each other. 
 Boundaries and geographical cynosures (or 
 centers) are not constant. These positions are 
 either matters of prestige or convenience. The 
 boundary between England and Scotland, for 
 instance, was once away north of the Cheviot 
 Hills. The boundaries of the United States, of 
 Russia and of the German Empire have under- 
 gone changes. In Canada the present genera- 
 tion has seen additions to the north of Manitoba 
 and other provinces. And when we view a 
 graph or map showing the present and the past 
 (if not the future), how eager are we to read the 
 history of the reforms. 
 
 Scottish history repeats itself. Inasmuch as 
 the Scotch pursue education, labor, inventions 
 and enterprise, to this extent do they prosper 
 as in bygone centuries. This is true of the 
 Scotchman in Scotland and of the Scotchman 
 in Canada and other lands. The greatest and 
 most fundamental instrument is education. 
 This leads to success on sea and land. 
 
 [5] 
 

 The rebellion of 1745-46, in favor of Charles 
 Stuart was not a national affair. It was not a 
 war between England and Scotland. It was 
 merelv a rebellion similar to two or three we have 
 had in Canada. The rebels were punished at 
 the time, but it is a serious mistake to presume 
 that the colonists to Cape Breton about the 
 year 1800 left Scotland on account of a rebellion 
 fifty-four years before. No, they left Scotland 
 without fear or compulsion. They, it is true, 
 did not like the high rents claimed by the bailiff 
 but ere long the same klopstock material appear- 
 ed in a new guise, the official legion and the 
 duty and tax. 
 
 There is one thing that we ought to foster 
 more here, and that is equality. As long as a 
 man is civil and proper be he rich or poor, for- 
 eigner, anything, we owe him cheerful respect, 
 courtesy, and his rights. When we come in 
 contact with people it is not wise to grade or 
 
 judge them. 
 
 In this matter it is not necessary to msult 
 persons of proved genius, tact or learning. As 
 we may commend, reward or compliment such 
 without offence to others. Yes, for equality 
 does not imply that we are identically equal, 
 but it does imply that we recognize one another's 
 rights and live moral lives in subordination to 
 
 nobody. 
 
 The Free Masons and others seem to have 
 accomplished a quota for equality. But from 
 some cause or another there are many who can- 
 
 161 
 
not join, then the Orders and the rest of human- 
 ity may sometimes doubt the presence of an 
 all-pervaUing recognition of equaHty. But, be 
 it said of the Free Masons, they have the noble 
 attribute of a secrecy, which is not formal but a 
 fact, ami tiie lodge dues of the members are not 
 paid by over officious employers, but by the 
 member himself whenever he is good and ready. 
 However, it is in the power of all to cultivate 
 the sense of equality, to presume that the highest 
 in learning, skill and wealth is accessible, that 
 no one, wise or unwise, young or old, rich or 
 poor, is to be prevented from noble efforts 
 towards the greatest success. 
 
 The public schools in their interior life have 
 upheld equality. Yet the Boards of Trustees 
 are not always perfectly impartial. This tends 
 to intrude a shallow mercenary feeling into the 
 young which precipitates them into minor 
 affairs and diverts them from the deep explor- 
 ation both of their own powers and the fathom- 
 less recesses of our noble land. 
 
 The schools recognized women as fit to teach. 
 Later the colleges recognized them, tho they 
 are a little slow in appointing them professors. 
 
 It is strange that often those who are very 
 polite before ladies, and bother others in their 
 excited ado before ladies, it is strange that these 
 and their kind have never done anything for 
 equality. Their seeming ardor is but an impulse 
 which depends entirely on the presence of the 
 ladies and their attitude. 
 
 [7] 
 
The cause of the suffragettes is good. We 
 want all men and women everywhere. We 
 want women as Members of Parliament, Attend- 
 ants, Doctors, Lawyers, Lecturers, etc. We 
 want worthy poor men in every position man 
 can fill. This is the spirit of our age. Let the 
 future see that ours was the reform. 
 
We 
 
 We 
 
 :end- 
 
 We 
 
 man 
 
 t the 
 
 CAPE BRETON 
 
 On May 23rd, 1784, Cape Breton Island was 
 pronounced a separate province. On July 7th, 
 1785, Major Desbarres was appointed President 
 of the island. Before 1784 he had been survey- 
 ing our shores and harbors. 
 
 Sydney harbor into the Spanish Bay was 
 found satisfactory. Hence it followed that it 
 was chosen as a site for a town. It was first 
 proposed to name the building town P' sburg- 
 but finally the name Sydney preferred icself to 
 perpetuate the life of the Hon. Thomas Town- 
 shend, Lord Sydney. 
 
 With the President, there was a Crown Coun- 
 cil, to manage the usual matters referred to 
 Governments. As the latter were not elected 
 by the people, it may be assumed how kindly 
 people were allowed to live. 
 
 Between the years 1800 and 1809 2,000 
 people arrived from Scotland. These wanted 
 an elective Assembly, and this request led to 
 trouble with the Crown Council. 
 
 Jn 1787 President McCormack succeeded 
 Dc.: arres. McCormack was succeeded by Gen- 
 erals Ogilvie, Murray, Despard, Nepean, Swayne 
 and Ainslie. 
 
 The trouble with the Crown Council con- 
 tinued. President Ainslie counselled union with 
 Nova Scotia as the best solution. So in 1820 
 
 [9] 
 
we raised our hand cordially to greet our kind 
 neighbors across the Strait of Canso. It was, 
 no doubt, a very happy reunion. We were, 
 however, none the worse for our 36 years' 
 separation. We had both many tales to tell. 
 We had both heard of the war of 1812-14, of the 
 European stupidity and dullness on which 
 many military adventurers preyed for many 
 years, on which authors and statesmen thrive. 
 We had tales to tell of our own vast resources. 
 
 It is strange that some in speaking of the 
 progress of education butt in with the name of a 
 Doct' - of Philosophy, a clergyman, or a Govern- 
 ment, or a big schoolhouse. That is a mistake. 
 Usually in every district there is one or more 
 who is good to learn. If these should teach, 
 those who wish to learn will be taught. If they 
 don't, but wait for the scolding and invectives 
 that we read, our schools won't rise. 
 
 In momentary glancing over the beginnings 
 of a country the methods used in educating the 
 young is of interest. The teachers of sixty and 
 seventy years ago seem to have been true and 
 good. The Governments, too, lent the usual 
 kindly hand to education. But there were some 
 and not few who became amazingly good scholars 
 without much aid of any kind. There are such 
 yet. Of course the prodigious exertions of 
 Trustees, Inspectors, Governments, etc., etc., 
 will ach'eve much for the common welfare, 
 but there are some who would qualify them- 
 selves and who do so without any of taat environ- 
 
 [10] 
 
ment or expert teaching that one would suppose 
 to be essential. I believe that too much ado 
 about organizations, buildings, etc., divert the 
 minds of young people from the true object of a 
 school. The binomial theorem is lost in con- 
 templating the temperature of the room, the 
 ease of the seats, the theory of Consumption, 
 the future of the Churches, etc., which reveries 
 may be good in their way but they don't enable 
 a person to become an expert in the school 
 branches. 
 
 The great President Garfield said "The best 
 University is Prof. Hopkins whatever the 
 building be." 
 
 The three essentials for a teacher are justice, 
 knowledge and virtue. Knowledge, that is,' 
 superior scholarship is always desirable and an 
 advanced scholar who is not immoral may do 
 more good by silence than a person of piety 
 but without scholarship can do with long lectures 
 of information and reproof. 
 
 Much has been taught by the young teachers. 
 Class D's and Permissive License Teachers 
 have achieved much. For often we find these 
 in small or rear sections, whereas, they might 
 be just the best for some of the big or frontal 
 sections. The natural ways of those angels 
 would be a healthful change in the larger schools 
 and any textbook difficulties might be referred 
 to educational newspapers by the pupils them- 
 selves. This might be succeeded by a term of 
 the austere veteran teacher. Many owe their 
 
 [11] 
 
education to the Permissive License teacher 
 who would not attend the "cross" teacher's 
 classes at all. The race after the squirrel, the 
 bottle used as a target for the stone, the ride 
 on the raft, yes, these have contributed more to 
 good attendance then the sanitary prisons we 
 call schools. And the teacher who takes a 
 part in these plays with his scholars is doing 
 well for the cause of education. 
 
 Nor do I blame the advanced teachers. They 
 are at their post. And some of them are among 
 the worid's best living strategists. By self- 
 control, thinking, qualifying, and diligently 
 teaching they accomplish naturally the work of 
 years in a few months. What then? The 
 pupils are kept home, for a while. They have 
 learned enough for a while. They are said to 
 have done well for ones so young. The In- 
 spector then arrives. Well, the school is not 
 entirely satisfactory. The advanced teacher 
 often discovers that much is expected of him 
 and that he must get busy at wiles to please the 
 people rather than devote his whole attention 
 to the actual welfare promotion and eventual 
 success of the scholars. 
 
 [12] 
 
 \ 
 
THE GREAT ELECTION 
 
THE GREAT ELECTION 
 
 In 1 832, there was a rdebrated election. The 
 candidates were Mr. Smith of the Sydney 
 Mining Association and Sir William Yoimg. 
 There were three polls, one in Sydney, one in 
 Richnu)nd and one in CMieticamp. Mr. Smith 
 left Sydney and Richmond with a majority. 
 When the supporters of Young saw this, they 
 resorted to stratagem. 
 
 After marching triumphantly to Chcticamp 
 they took the initiative in voting and kept 
 edging in. This would assure their votes being 
 polled in time and moreover might occupy the 
 polling day until it was too late for Smith's men. 
 When Mr. Smith's supporters observed this, 
 with Father MacKechnie at their head, they 
 attacked. Father MacKechnie was struck down 
 and a general melee ensued which lasted until 
 10 o'clock and thus Smith's men lost their votes. 
 Young was declared elected. A start was then 
 made for Young's open house about six furlongs 
 from the polling-booth. Sir William Young was 
 carried on the shoulders of two stalwarts and 
 was surrounded by 2,000 supporters. They 
 had to pass thru a corduroy road thru a bog 
 and on the other side they espied Smith's sup- 
 porters about 1,500 strong, and pretty well 
 armed. A halt was made and Young asked 
 what was up. George, brother of Sir William 
 
 [15] 
 
^^)UI1K, calkd out: "I.el us head our nu-n; we 
 should be the first to fall today." (ieorKc took 
 the lead and the men followed. I-'ather Mac- 
 Keehnie saw the boldness of Young's men, and 
 he rushed thru the oi)])osinj; ranks and implored 
 them not to fire. They opened their ranks and 
 allowed Younj;'s men to pass thru unmolested. 
 The case was taken to the Privy Council and the 
 election declared illegal. Before the next elec- 
 tion the island was divided into three comities 
 and at that next election Sir William was elected 
 by acclamation by the whole county of Inverness. 
 A certain man, John C.illis by name, voted 
 at the three polls. Besides this there were 
 many interesting^ incidents. 
 
 116] 
 
FIRST POET. 
 
 Of other days let oIIuts sing 
 Ix't mine to calm ('ape Breton cling 
 Her doings of the bygone days 
 The mover (^f niy lowly lays. 
 
 SECOND POET. 
 
 While you have o'er the footlights bowed 
 To many a crowd full high endowed 
 Shall I the (lueslion ask tonight 
 "Are all your stories true and right?" 
 
 FIRST POET. 
 
 All, true to them who understand 
 
 How to seek and find the hidden meaning 
 
 The true import of my songs 
 
 There may be ray florets infertile 
 
 Yet they grace the plant 
 
 The harp never spoke a lie 
 
 And always pleased 
 
 But were all the airs 
 
 As all would have them? 
 
 [17] 
 
SECOND POET. 
 
 I loved to An^ since time was young 
 The old, the new and all in soni; 
 The Scotch songs 1 Ion cd them all 
 Fir Birdie loved them in the hall 
 Some years aj;o I knew a lad 
 Who j;reeted mc with accents glad 
 Hut now he's past his thirty-five 
 Though thankful to he well and alive 
 He's neither heart nor time to sing 
 The music of the former sings 
 But let him chanticleer his own 
 And singing ne'er will be alone 
 But sister spirit come relate 
 What you l;egun at Murdo's gate 
 That by cockcrow I know it all 
 Tomorrow night I join the ball. 
 
 The first spirit or minstrel relates the rest of 
 this book. 
 
 FIRST MINSTREL 
 
 I sing of the days when our fathers were young 
 When Freedom was waking and passions were 
 
 strong 
 Ye British I greet you extending my hand 
 Ye Frenchmen we \o\e you affection's the band 
 In honest Cape Breton no honors shall hold 
 But what shall obtain as deserts will unfold 
 
 [18] 
 
i 
 
 Iff 
 
 ive 
 
 e rest of 
 
 y^oung 
 •ns were 
 
 lie band 
 
 old 
 
 old 
 
 The wigwam and cal.in unlike have gone by 
 The cottage, their daughter communes with the 
 
 sky 
 Outgrowing the orchard that onrc was a shade 
 Outshuiing the moon in the ponds of the glade 
 Old baigland I greet thee, thou home of the brave 
 How olten in day dreams I steamed o'er the 
 
 waves 
 To see you fond parent and feel y(jur caresses 
 I he very perception a victry possesses. 
 A glance at this prospect of fancy will brin^r 
 My lingering jjoat to the home of the King^ 
 Kmg Edward the Seventh, the greatest of 
 
 Kdwards 
 King Edward the Seventh, of Edwards the best 
 Kmg Edward the noble who never oppressed 
 A model of peace, a lion in war 
 With a thought on the near but a thought cast 
 afar. 
 
 O'er the millions that own you their servant and 
 Lord 
 
 King Edward the Seventh that long may you 
 reign, 
 
 Is the wish and the hope in the schoolhouse and 
 
 fane; 
 Is the prayer universal and hearo may it be 
 By Him who remembers the land of the free. 
 
 'Mong Sydney scenes my tale begins 
 Sydney child of the glacier 
 Nursed by the ocean. 
 
 Here thought moves in labor; 
 
 [19] 
 
And science, in action, 
 
 Yet Sydney is free 
 
 The pride of the listers, 
 
 Sweet Morien am*! A\ 
 
 And fair Ilalif;()nia 
 
 Dcstains not to call 
 
 That timepiece of the heavens' breast 
 
 Is fobbed beyond the fading' west 
 
 The crow and jackdaw seek the nest 
 
 That cozy nest in lofty spruce 
 
 The nimble swallows too retire 
 
 To dream of claypit and of mire 
 
 To dream of housewall growing higher; 
 
 And cheerful cruise 
 The dog is panting by the barn 
 And barks at what he fancies harm 
 Or deft connives to slumber warm 
 
 Behind the stove 
 By false announcemorUs of the night 
 Calls the porter to admit 
 At least, one thru the door. 
 
 And thru the busy careful day 
 The choice of men had ample sway 
 Tho other thoughts were not denied 
 Tho other works were duly plied 
 Yet critics had deserving space 
 But not the most, nor set the pace, 
 Surprising how it gict.v among us 
 "When one or more to us belonging 
 Are set the common good attending 
 Well paid and more than half befriending, 
 [20] 
 
i 
 
 That these forget their human rising 
 And claim that they are far the highest,. 
 
 That Parliament essential is 
 And Socialists must bow to this. 
 What nonsense! 
 
 A crov.d '.f mon that know their work 
 Reriuiie no foremen's jarring shout 
 The peof)L pay for what they get 
 Why pay it on imported coat 
 No buying' railways for the west 
 Nor selling birthrights to the states 
 If got from one why pay the other? 
 Those duties, taxes, all together, 
 Are nothing but the worst oppression. 
 
 Of Statute Laws we have enough 
 And pardoned criminals are at large 
 Our mails, our railways and our roads 
 Our schools and all, we can maintain 
 We'd rather pay for what we get 
 Nor welling us to Europe hoar 
 Nor ruling want we here at all 
 We'll bridle crime 
 When crime's no law. 
 
 What words are worthy with thy name 
 
 O Britain! 
 
 What we speak before or after 
 
 ^-et it be lofty. 
 
 Britain, Great Britain 
 
 Home of truth 
 
 Nurse of Ambition 
 
 [211 
 
Attendant of perseverance. 
 Thyself and posterity, 
 All, follow lowly the pillar of fire, 
 Thou art a gorgeous model 
 To other lands. 
 Thy sons have sallied forth 
 — The brisk United States, 
 Canada, Australia, India 
 And all 
 
 In ancient days 
 
 Have seen them on their shores, 
 Nor cleave they to the ways 
 Of other scenes and views 
 Back like transplanted plants 
 Cabbages for instance 
 Improve the natural trait 
 Of independence 
 
 And stouter grow and more erect 
 When each its world of soil 
 Has found increased. 
 With greater space between 
 And greater sunshine rushing in 
 From partial trends released. 
 From Sydney to the less Bras d'Or 
 That arm of gold with sleeve of coal 
 Bras d'Or an arbor of romance 
 That broadens soon to vast expanse 
 To Alba's vale we early come 
 By Robinson's romantic home 
 By Gillis Cove that fairy land 
 Where great MacRitchie lends a hand 
 MacRitchie joins our cheerful throng 
 [22] 
 
 J 
 
)r 
 oal 
 
 ise 
 
 And swears to stand by William Young 
 And Hector viewed the scenes around 
 Betraying wakened thoughts profound 
 Says he, You notice my emotion 
 'Tis not a trifling passing notion 
 In former days, ah! here was one 
 The fairest fair since fair began 
 Rejoiced the mind that thither rose 
 Rejoiced and calmed to wise repose 
 Like apple blossom was her health 
 And dress that gave an added wealth 
 For arts in dress and changes frequent 
 The wave of hair, the costume recent 
 These soothe admire and admired 
 For change is parent of desire. 
 He sings a song. 
 
 t!' ' , "^ r d r m f , m r d I, 
 
 1 he wmd from the east in the shades of the morn- 
 ing 
 
 J. d 1, s, f, 
 
 Now fresh from the waves 
 s, I, d r m r 
 Is a treat to us all 
 
 J' ^ m r d r m f, m r d 1, 
 
 But naught would it be to the cheek of the love- 
 sick 
 
 band 
 ong 
 
 1, ^ * s, f, f, 1, 1, r m m r 
 If Misfortune withdrew her beyond his recall. 
 
 I wooed one before in the Highlands of Scotland 
 
 [23] 
 
Where cares there were few 
 
 And the future assured 
 
 Ambitions prevailed to a sail o'er the ocean 
 
 Where changes at last 
 
 Would allay by adieu. 
 
 I thought I was gone in the days of arrival 
 
 To find that again 
 
 We had met with ourselves 
 
 And sought just the things that estranged us 
 
 from Europe 
 And want did obtain 
 Where was plenty for all. 
 
 But a sight of my lo-"*^ set me right in a moment 
 
 And now I'm a convert 
 
 And so wish you all, 
 
 The land of the maple, the fairest in nature 
 
 Shall here by my love 
 
 Be the throne of my dream. 
 
 I love to set out in the breeze of the morning 
 Where Nature is quiet in mantles of peace 
 I pass by the home of my love in the valley 
 The thought is a joy, that your voice will in- 
 crease. 
 Full vain were my means and my health to con- 
 sole me 
 And vain were those landscapes that bloom to 
 
 the air 
 If I were deprived of my love in the valley 
 I'd droop to the ground to survive in despair 
 
 [24] 
 
 I 
 I 
 B 
 li 
 
:ean 
 
 ival 
 
 inged us 
 
 moment 
 
 ture 
 
 )rmng 
 ice 
 illey 
 will in- 
 
 1 to con- 
 
 )loom to 
 
 ley 
 jspair 
 
 I dote on the wars as my fathers before me 
 I dream of promotions that seldom befall, 
 But martial renown were but feeble to tone me 
 If you were to fail me, a failure was all. 
 
 A damsel met us o'er the way 
 Who would a weaker crowd dismay 
 Of French descent, Cape Breton born, 
 No mild Acadian 
 
 Her fathers rejoiced at the booming 
 Of the evening guns at Louisburg 
 Loftiest beauty lit her lovely gait 
 But ah! the fair ones far away 
 Soon shone upon our dreams 
 But Angus loved as ne'er before 
 And there we saw them stand 
 Both blushing yearning sighing faint 
 Yet both observing calm restraints 
 How fair to see an orchard tree 
 When blossoms bloom or apples bend 
 How fair to see a grassy field 
 When dews and pei fumes meet and blend 
 But blank was all compared with her 
 Who met us o'er the weary way 
 And were it possible to forget 
 My fair one in her home serene, 
 I'd court my future beaux in French 
 Yet speak this not, nor have it seen. 
 And blank was all compared with her 
 To Angus o'er the weary way 
 She haunts him still attired so gay 
 Her flaxen hair with wreath and rose 
 [25] 
 
Her Paris dress 
 
 I stepped and told her I admired 
 I joked and cheered her on her path 
 Indeed I did my courteous part 
 Whoe'er objected or approved. 
 And smiling bade her all farewell 
 And so be she where e'er she dwell. 
 And Angus sings: — 
 
 Tune "Cam ye by Athol?" 
 Whence comes she brothers, dear, 
 Little accounts with me 
 Scotch life and French 
 Are but dreams if she calls me 
 Traitor would I be to King and to country 
 If in her blushes she came to me warmly. 
 Happy one, happy one 
 Who will but win thy smile 
 Leaving two nations' love 
 Falls to adore you. 
 
 Down with the pibroch 
 Joyless thy rousing sounds 
 Compared with my darling's 
 Sweet vocals so balmy 
 Ne'er shall my knee 
 Show a curve for my country 
 If customs and laws 
 Set the pace for our ardors. 
 
 Why should the powers that be 
 Seek what they oft disowned 
 Connive to estrange mv love 
 [26]' 
 
From our wish and our welfare 
 All should but seek their own 
 Then leave the rest alone 
 This is but justice to man 
 And his charmer. 
 
 
 Why, are you butting in 
 Statesmen and clergymen 
 Bent on your friend to win 
 
 )untry , 
 mly. J 
 
 Lost in your calling? 
 Mind, that a man my choose 
 Nor is the right refused 
 "I shall be one with you" 
 
 Whispered by darling. 
 
 When we again come back 
 Bearing the gun and sack. 
 Nothing indeed we'll lack 
 
 Blithe as the morning 
 There in my cozy cot 
 She, my forgetmenot, 
 Will be my happy lot 
 
 A lot yet adorning. 
 
 [271 
 
WHYCOCOMAGH 
 
 In this campaign, 
 
 Whycocomagh, hurrah we sight thee 
 
 Whose prestige, tale and song adorn, 
 
 Whycocomagh garden of romance 
 
 The memory of thy children 
 
 Harts, MacKinnons, MacDougalls 
 
 Campbells, imagination recalls 
 
 Learning, trade, adventures. 
 
 Hospitality, inspectorates, 
 
 African battlefields 
 
 And the like 
 
 Withal beautiful music 
 
 Ah! here the garden of romance 
 
 Whose themes the intrinsic charms enhance 
 
 For lovelier far than wood and field 
 
 The memory of the human yield 
 
 Who plied their skills 'mong ridge and dale 
 
 Till sunset and the Sydney Mail 
 
 Did modify the mental bent 
 
 Then talks and swings both highly went 
 
 With songs and drives that raise the wind 
 
 Far, far, beyond the sordid mind. 
 
 But now 'tis past. 
 
 Whycocomagh is pleasant still 
 
 And may our early dreams fulfil. 
 
 Whycocomagh dost thou remember 
 When the swelling crowds 
 Moved to and from thee 
 Pointing north in famous — 32. 
 
 [28] 
 
 1 
 
nee 
 
 ale 
 
 True were thy sons 
 
 Lustrous thy guns 
 
 If occasion needed. 
 
 Where were the great MacQueens? 
 
 Where the MacKcnzies? 
 
 Onward by AinsHe Lake 
 Whose waves the pathway shake 
 On thru the winds they make. 
 Swift is the pace but sure 
 Swift as in heather moor 
 Strides forth the Scottish lad 
 Doubting at heart but glad 
 
 Longs for the party 
 Longs tor the promised dance 
 O'er the moor's broad expanse 
 
 Bounding so smartly. 
 So were Whycocomagh's men; 
 Careless tho *Fort du Quesne 
 Lay in the journey. 
 
 Onward to swift Margaree 
 Greeting in wonted glee 
 Swearing hovve'er it be 
 Justice and liberty 
 
 Must be the conquest. 
 What counts the race, or name 
 French, English, all, the same 
 Naught but our rights we claim. 
 
 (*Pronounced Fort du Ken.) 
 
 [29] 
 
T««r' 
 
 LAKE AINSLIE'S ADDRESS. 
 
 You have assembled, 
 
 I rememlier a similar crowd at Edinburgh 
 
 'Twas before we left for the continent 
 
 To meet the great Napoleon, 
 
 He from a diligent pupil 
 
 At the schools 
 
 In arithmetic skillful 
 
 He from scanty means 
 
 Grew to fame and wealth, 
 
 He a lover of peace 
 
 A patron of discoveries, schools, 
 
 Churches and arts 
 
 From his aptitude for wars 
 
 Found himself yearly 
 
 In the very crater 
 
 Of his millenium's convulsion. 
 
 He saw man tire of bond and fetters. 
 
 He saw the feebleness of partial redress. 
 
 He saw that too often 
 
 Freed man falls into error 
 
 This all he saw, 
 
 Yet, circumstances constrained him 
 
 To trend the gloomy war. 
 
 Napoleon was no myth 
 
 Nor was he without sympathizers 
 
 For he cared not for the birth of a man 
 
 Nor his paternal means 
 
 If he were the stuff 
 
 That makes a man. 
 
 [30] 
 
1 
 
 ■MM 
 
 gh 
 
 Not he found in gatherings 
 
 Where a dozen or so of men 
 
 Seek a platform raised high 
 
 And there like parrots speak 
 
 Thoughts long prepared 
 
 To glue thcnisehes to some petty office 
 
 And flatter ladies 
 
 With the old rhymes 
 
 To the "intelligent ladies" 
 
 As they at least then 
 
 Call them. 
 
 Such transparent vanity 
 
 Napoleon had distained 
 
 The humble had his rights 
 
 The mighty had his fights 
 
 Yet Napoleon surely went too far. 
 
 But Briton's sons were best to him 
 For when we saw him vanquished 
 We snatched him from confusion 
 And hastened a conclusion 
 And laid him on Helena's 
 The good saint's isle to rest 
 That day at Waterloo 
 Was like our other days 
 We did our best. 
 And lo! the victory 
 All this recurs to me today 
 Shall we today have one or more 
 Dictate to us? No. 
 We're neither slaves nor mendicants 
 Over wretched papers called 
 
 [31] 
 
] 
 
 Api)licati()iis 
 
 Never will wc sign receipts for 
 
 Money until such time 
 
 After 'tis received as we see proper. 
 
 We want our rights, 
 
 Ports, grants and railways. 
 
 T 
 
 dan 
 
 MARGAREE. 
 
 By lisping wave to fair Margaree 
 The tread prolonged of all agree 
 If "out of step" should greet a lad 
 The leaj) would heal, if e'er so bad 
 The columns dense so well command \^ 
 That orders new were rare demanded 
 The bridges stand the heavy pressure 
 As if they knew they bore a treasure, 
 They seemed to slight the torrents under 
 Saying "on to win or die in cumber." 
 The fresh ones in the rear were placed 
 Lest veteran proved ones feel discouraged 
 And vanguards must be able men 
 That would be grapple, one to ten, 
 They must be men of double vision 
 Who see with coolness and precision 
 The odds ahead in looks and sort 
 Believing but twice proved reports. 
 The judgment must equal the eye 
 How is but a twin of why. 
 The marshal seldom said a word 
 [32] 
 
But little of tlu' tread he hoard 
 
 His work was done excej)! to say 
 
 One word if there he an affray 
 
 The word was "I'irc": Ye gods that word 
 
 Were often l)etter thought than heard. 
 
 They reach the Outlet, now Scotsville, dine, 
 dance a reel and press on. 
 
 f.: 
 
 And Broad Cove Intervale is here 
 
 With calm Loch Han your neighbor dear 
 
 Me thinks I hear y<ni cross the ford 
 
 By Canipl ell's right with paces ho.d 
 
 O fair Kenlock, and thou wort there 
 
 As subtle as the morning air. 
 
 And were these beauties then at liome 
 
 By loch and kirk? 
 
 Or did they westei thcu for change 
 
 Of place and work? 
 
 [iS] 
 
SECOND POET INTERPOLATES. 
 
 Ah! yes, there were, 
 In every age 
 Kenloch and Strathlorne 
 Graced the stage. 
 With \outh and beauty 
 Wealth and learnhig 
 Prompt to duty; 
 Victory crowning, 
 Bonfires burning. 
 
 FIRST POET. 
 
 But Beauty likes to linger in the past 
 And also in distant birds of passage 
 And sometimes graces hew acquaintances 
 Then dissolves 
 But now and then we find it 
 Where expected as in the face 
 And form of Molly. 
 Who shall presume to portray 
 The healthy face? 
 The rainbow's self 
 Alone can illustrate the 
 Variegated congress of Nature's touches 
 That adorn the form 
 And face of lovely Molly 
 As o'er the piano's snow-white keys 
 Her whiter hands doth glide. 
 [34] 
 
 I 
 
 \^ 
 
TES. 
 
 past 
 
 ge 
 
 intances 
 
 juches 
 
 ys 
 
 lier fingers like the Aurora 
 
 Playing in a ruby sky. 
 
 The western winds caress her 
 
 The eastern gales subside 
 
 When intoxicated with her breath. 
 
 'Tis now I wax so jolly. 
 O happy hours come often, 
 Come back, come soon again. 
 Come to me now in fancy 
 Realities come, entrance me 
 Yes, come yourself my dear. 
 
 When Upper Margaree is sighted, 
 
 Again our doubts are righted, 
 
 For in with us they wheel. 
 
 The noble John MacFarlane 
 
 Of giant mind and arm 
 
 The fertile Angus Gillis 
 
 And Rory MacDonnell, 
 
 And Roderick MacLellan 
 
 With many more as willing, 
 
 They gaily walk along. 
 
 If some were still unlettered. 
 
 They knew the trend of farms, 
 
 And could respect their l)etters, 
 
 And well abstain from harm 
 
 And all were strong and healthy, 
 
 While some were somewhat wealthy; 
 
 Nor was there one 
 Who meant not soon 
 
 [35] 
 
To stand by William Young, 
 
 And lovely girls 
 
 In pink ado 
 
 With costumes swell 
 
 Enrich the view. 
 
 But one was fairer far, 
 
 So Donald thought. 
 
 And he sang: — 
 
 Green grow the rashes, O, 
 Green grow the rashes, O, 
 The sweetest hours that e'er I spend 
 Are spent among the lasses, O. 
 
 My father leads around our home 
 He sows, he reaps and thrashes, O, 
 But lesser sways my life so gay 
 My living care, the lasses, O. 
 
 I'm dutiful to pa and ma 
 My daily toil, it passes, O, 
 Its studies hard would miss reward 
 Were I denied the lasses, O. 
 
 My winsome Ellen beats them all 
 I know not what outclasses, O, 
 It may be beauty, health or mind 
 At least, I love the lasses, O. 
 
 Her dress so plain, well, not that way 
 The make my skill surpasses, O, 
 [36] 
 
Translucent of her charms' array, 
 O gee, I love the lasses, O. 
 
 Her voice would metaphor excel. 
 Her face is ruby flashes, O, 
 Let others praise the belles of old, 
 
 Give me my age's lasses, O. 
 
 spend 
 0. 
 
 me 
 ,0, 
 
 rard 
 
 all 
 nd 
 
 Lt way 
 
 A Smile for those I never saw. 
 But Ellen, why, she mashes, O, 
 The same to me are war and peace 
 
 If I may see the lasses, O. 
 Her hair, a coronet of down. 
 Brushed high around the dashes, O, 
 And what she saj^s, is just her way, 
 
 My daisy 'mong the lasses, O. 
 
 And when he sang his lyric thru, 
 I pondered on the ways of man. 
 We hardly judge 'twixt right and wrong. 
 We often end where we began. 
 The mutual love of either sex 
 Is seldom reckoned ere they come 
 It comes in power virtue decked 
 And threatens oft the wisest plans 
 The world is often unprepared 
 To meet this passion's quick demands. 
 The soldier sees no battle gained 
 Tho trophies hang at either hand 
 If she who met him (who knows where!) 
 Enlist him not in her command. 
 [37] 
 
North East Margaree pours in to Margaree 
 Forks, and to Margaree by the way of Marsh 
 Brook, those far up the river the great Mac- 
 Kenzies, Murrays, Marples, etc., go the latter 
 way. 
 
 The salmon gloats on his vacation 
 
 He lords it in the pool 
 
 No angler tempts him up 
 
 The river wonders at the rest 
 
 Along its banks today, 
 
 Another Sabbath seems to come 
 
 From the Acts of the glorious Apostles 
 
 Ah! would the salmon that Peter 
 
 Had another dream 
 
 That would divert the angler from himself 
 
 A Sabbath seems the usual stir 
 
 Where whoop of rod and flash of gaff 
 
 With male and female voice combined 
 
 An almost visible halo filled 
 
 The fearless valley. The valley's self 
 
 Contracted seems, like one who would 
 
 For shelter press, 
 
 Still farther in 'mong sheltering hills; 
 
 For gone the neighbors are today 
 
 The country needs you 
 
 The King will? it 
 
 Let chopping frolic be 
 With the dance at its heel 
 Let quilting party rest for the moment. 
 Leave the horse race at its pace, 
 [38] 
 
I to Margaree 
 ivay of Marsh 
 le great Mac- 
 go the latter 
 
 ation 
 
 me 
 
 Apostles 
 iter 
 
 from himself 
 
 ir 
 
 I of gaff 
 
 ombined 
 
 ey's self 
 lo would 
 
 ig hills; 
 oday 
 
 moment. 
 :e, 
 
 Now the race is face to face, 
 
 Leave the wedding, leave the groom 
 
 To his Spanish castles gloom 
 
 Leave your pet walks 'neath the moon. 
 
 The spreading meadows of the Forks 
 By Golden Grove the Piper played 
 The airs that toned in Highland glade 
 Where now sweet Annie named by few 
 But known of all beneath the rose 
 She cheers the heart of great and small. 
 
 By Margaree Forks, where rivers wed 
 While softly falls the angler's tread 
 Meet substitute for fairy dance 
 That would the Orphic chords enhance 
 Could Orpheus' touch surpass the sound 
 Of vocal streams where wealth abounds, 
 In endless wedding glad and smiling 
 While softly falls the angler's tread 
 Meet substitute for fairy dance 
 And thoughts of pasture scenes beguiling? 
 
 O fairest rivers 
 
 By your meeting 
 
 A prelude true of human union 
 
 So may the folks of either river 
 
 Rejoice to meet those of the other. 
 
 At the Harbor of Margaree 
 There was revel 
 
 When the voters marched along 
 To the level 
 
 To the pretty level plain 
 [39] 
 
Near the ferry 
 
 When they did their tent unfold 
 
 Sat to supper young and old 
 
 There was talking, there was laughing 
 
 There was talking, there was cheering 
 
 There were songs that charmed the hearing 
 
 But now the dance the speaking dance 
 
 That speaks when tongue and beauty fail 
 
 That speaks the thought with emphasis 
 
 As heart and brain prefer to reel 
 
 The cruel sun announced the dawn 
 
 Long ere they woulc" have off withdrawn 
 
 A brief farewell, a council short 
 
 We meet the road and waive the fort. 
 
 i 
 
 A LOVELORN YOUTH'S ADDRESS TO 
 THE MOON 
 
 thou bashful moon 
 
 Look down. Can you see my fair one 
 
 Strolling 'neath the trees 
 
 At her summer cottage? 
 
 Can you see longings in her face 
 
 For him who is far away? 
 
 The cuw-bell tinkles, the breeze rises 
 
 1 can't restrain a tear. 
 Shall I desert? 
 
 for one moment with my darling 
 But duty urges 
 
 1 turn upon my bed of brush 
 
 [40] 
 
ighing 
 ieriiig 
 the hearing 
 dance 
 jauty fail 
 nphasis 
 1 
 
 wn 
 thdrawn 
 
 ; fort. 
 
 ilESS TO 
 
 ir one 
 
 ises 
 
 ng 
 
 I see the sentinel stalk back and forth 
 
 moon will thou hide thy face 
 Or wilt thou not? 
 
 At least wilt thou put out thy candle 
 That I make up my mind 
 Yet to desert were dishonor 
 
 1 think of Washington and others 
 But marriage was or should be lawful. 
 Woe to them who weave up rules 
 Impediments to marriage 
 
 In God's or King's name 
 "*Tis better to marry than to burn"' 
 And many others were never 
 Preceded, preambled or preluded 
 By "ifs" and "ands," 
 Look down, pale moon 
 I shall apply for leave of absence 
 If denied their loyalty, their 
 Honors, their churches 
 Yes all may go to grass 
 I shall have my fair one 
 If we set out for liberty and justice 
 Liberty and justice we must have 
 Nor may these be postponed 
 No weak delays. 
 Look down pale moon. 
 Since time began 
 What changes hast there seen 
 O'er sister earth. 
 Thou knowest man in the 
 Paleolithic age 
 
 And knewest him in Adam's age 
 141] 
 
 i 
 
And that of Tubal Cain 
 
 But always knew his near touch 
 
 To the abyss of joy 
 
 From whence he came 
 
 To which he goes 
 
 Thou knowest that material progress 
 
 Rights and all, depend on 
 
 Study, labor, and agitation 
 
 If not entirely, to a great extent. 
 
 A century back 
 
 The parents were the lover's cross 
 
 Today 'tis others who butt in. 
 
 The lover's creed, his age, his means 
 
 His very looks are all in comment. 
 
 Look down pale moon 
 
 O say that she'll be true 
 
 Yes, she will 
 
 And when the trouble's over 
 
 So happy we will be 
 
 We'll dwell alone together 
 
 And then we shall be free 
 
 We'll talk and laugh together 
 
 We'll do it o'er again 
 
 For you were always new to me 
 
 Like sunshine after rain. 
 
 ^ 
 
 'J 
 
 [42] 
 
CHRISTMAS 
 
 )gress 
 
 >ss 
 
 leans 
 nt. 
 
 More logs for the old fire place, 
 
 Fill it high. Draw the tea 
 
 Fair maids, please. Piper twist the drone 
 
 Blow, blow and play, 
 
 Inhale the gladsome air 
 
 While gently elbowing the swanlike bag. 
 
 Ye violins respond to bow and hand 
 
 Your swelling and receding tones 
 
 Of myriad moods, to which the keys are 
 seven. 
 
 Or seven thrice. 
 
 From A to G, nor passing pouting F. 
 
 Bow us the dormant pleasure. 
 Ye cornets, trombones. 
 Ye inspiring drums, 
 
 Ye giant violins, surnamed double basses 
 We greet you all. 
 Nor would that one be silent, 
 Ladies and men! 
 Play of the days gone by 
 Sadly at first, but firm 
 Then more cheerful play of triumphs, 
 Play of love and other things, 
 Lastly let the reel come 
 For we long to follow the bent 
 That music has created. 
 And dense was the air, 
 With music and with odours 
 From the fire, as beautiful ladies 
 Drew the tea so soon to draw 
 [43] 
 
Us vim and strength 
 From those fat beefsteaks 
 And those subtle hot buns 
 That melting in the mouth 
 Delight the weary mind, 
 The supper o'er, while children set the stockings 
 for Santa Claus 
 
 We danced, and the marvel was, 
 That folks that lived so 
 Could ever part. 
 
 By midnight we sang our farewell 
 With thoughts of the occasion 
 And then we left-wheeled 
 Unchangt in purpos 
 But strengthent with inner joy. 
 Ah! Christmas, thou seekest but the hour 
 Thy time in our cycles around the sun 
 Thou seekest not the place nor the occasion 
 But comest where two or more are gathered in 
 
 thy name. 
 Thou hast a beam of joy 
 For each desire 
 
 That striving man despairing oft restrains 
 And forgetting that the shadow 
 In the sea at the creation. 
 Yes, that shadow first of shadows 
 Was the shadow of the Spirit 
 Who second is to none. 
 Who is moving yet today 
 O'er the toiling of the oceans 
 O'er the toiling of desires 
 Tho we often fall away 
 [44] 
 
'^^mmma!in*-j-<imtk'mtimhru6m 
 
 i stockings 
 
 And in falling seek the gloom 
 But the spirit, ah! the spirit 
 Still is there, if we could see it, 
 And as children we may see it 
 And 'twill lead us back again, 
 In repentance for our fall, 
 'Tis the spirit that has led us 
 In our patriotic zeal 
 For the welfare of our country 
 For our welfare one and all. 
 
 1 
 
 hour 
 
 :asion 
 hered in 
 
 uns 
 
 THE LADY'S ADDRESS. 
 
 My children, hear me now I pray 
 
 I'm faded now but had my day 
 
 When Johnny traded horse and shay 
 
 To buy me presents good and high 
 
 We courted months — those months were long 
 
 Before we hinted heart and hand 
 
 For both were shy and friends were cold. 
 
 At last, I named the happy day 
 
 That brought us peace 
 
 Like dawn of day. 
 Though wedded long we loved the more 
 Nor would he wish my youth restore 
 Whate'er I was that's all he cared 
 Now children mind your words and mien 
 Your duty do. 
 
 And children mind your every word 
 'Twere better thought perchance than heard 
 
 [45] 
 
A secret what? 'tis that no more 
 As soon as you have talked it o'er 
 The tree that grows before the door 
 Has never wandered to carouse 
 Has never changed it's modes of dress 
 Has sported flowers but in May 
 Nor has it now admirers less 
 It lives along and meets the gales 
 And fills a place and never quails 
 Though branches fall and needles fly 
 It cleaves to earth but cons the sky 
 
 I hus shall it live unto the end 
 
 Discipline of nature's trend 
 
 But man! No! he must must take the spirit 
 
 Not always that that prompts to merit 
 
 1 oday the impulse prompts to prayer 
 
 1 omorrow prompts a doubtful way 
 
 Reason's the king in peace and danger 
 
 Keason s verily an angel. 
 
 But pass some days in deep reflection 
 
 Before you lay your every plan 
 
 Then serve your mandate firmly loyal 
 
 Long as designed. 
 
 A searchlight thru the future gloom 
 
 Is reason o'er the wire of love 
 
 A light that 'lumines virtue right 
 
 Which dazzles failure out of sight 
 
 If guidance man presu me to have 
 
 Let himself plan 
 
 'Twas so ordained. 
 
 [46] 
 
THE OLD MAN'S ADDRESS 
 
 Good youth take heed of politics 
 The craft is hard 
 Lay not your former self aside 
 Nor its rewards. 
 Say your say, poll your vote 
 For the best cause 
 And, if chosen Candidate, promise 
 What you wish to be promised you ; 
 But mind your calling 
 Re it office, ehool or farm, 
 Lean not on politics 
 Lest you come to grief and poverty 
 Suspected of hidden wealth 
 Looted from where 'twas seldom found 
 On the bare lap of jwlitics. 
 The craft is hard 
 Hard to understand 
 Hard to proclaim aright 
 If you uphold the nation well 
 Perhaps it's at your expense 
 Your labors must be forfeited 
 By statutes. Otherwise forgetful man 
 Will soon ignore your labors 
 And shall regard Prosperity 
 As a lady sweet, due to their own 
 Labors and to Fate 
 Then shall they oust you out of doors 
 As many have been cast before. 
 Just name your man 
 You say it out, now say it in 
 [47] 
 
And sec that it's marked. 
 
 Tlic air of Canada is pure 
 
 Like the east breeze o'er the Atlantic 
 
 Who breathes it li\es for Freedom 
 
 Let useless humility 
 
 And cursed subordination 
 
 Be no more 
 
 'Tis no virtue to withstand 
 
 With patience 
 
 'Tis no philoso])hy to ape 
 
 The outward forms that made 
 
 For merit or success. 
 
 Fell cravens are they 
 
 Who think it virtue 
 
 To refrain from strong dashes 
 
 And deeds, but hoping that 
 
 Others will risk their gtasp on Heaven 
 
 To force the right along, 
 
 For merit or success 
 
 We must study, we must strive 
 
 And if repeating history 
 
 Accords an incident 
 
 For our help 
 
 Let us apply that experience 
 
 Of a thousand years 
 
 But let us never 
 
 Run around 
 
 With the experience of a thousand years 
 
 Seeking pretexts to apply it 
 
 For the sake of show or praise, 
 
 Wait and let the need demand. 
 
 [48] 
 
t Ian tic 
 
 oni 
 
 
 
 eaven 
 
 d years 
 
 I 
 
 With the fox deal with the fox 
 Tit for tat, Roland for Oliver 
 If tricks bcRin trij) them under 
 Concilatc with no man 
 Away ye long faced pf)liticians 
 Who add useless wheels 
 To the Government mills 
 We need the grants 
 But multiply not officials 
 Into a separate congregation. 
 A dcngerous weight 
 Destroys Demccracy. 
 
 Our birthright 
 
 If one should set a foot on the moon 
 
 Does he own the moon? 
 
 Of if one may own it 
 
 May he not own it? 
 
 Is there ownership there? 
 
 Or does he own more than he brought there? 
 
 Yes we own what we claim 
 
 Nor shall release it. 
 
 Nor shall lines of navies 
 That profess to ward off 
 Dangers ever to be born 
 Or borne 
 
 Make us rest the head 
 Or are those dreaded guns 
 That sing to the sea 
 Intended to scowl at us. 
 The dread of war most useless is 
 But preparation's not amiss. 
 [49] 
 
He ceased 'mid keen applause 
 
 While the moonlight o'er the fleecy trees 
 
 Awaits the motion of the leaves 
 
 To light the grassy hills beneath 
 
 With spots impatient, mild, and silent 
 
 That seem to bubble from below 
 
 Wh" ■ veering, changing, ceasing, dawning 
 
 'Mong shoals of shadows deeply darker 
 
 Their partners in the chase of changes. 
 
 A DEATH. 
 
 He is gone. 
 
 We shall weep. We ease our minds 
 
 By opening the throttle 
 
 That supresses our feelings 
 
 There he lies. 
 
 Ah! comrade why did you die 
 
 But, 'twas not thy will 
 Thou would'st have stayed 
 But your work was done 
 Can it be that you are truly dead 
 Or is it a dream? 
 Alas! hour follows hour 
 Realities are rife and you are dead 
 How shall we mourn for you 
 One thought says he is happy 
 This is no mournful case 
 Another says "Judge not" 
 A third says, At least you've lost a friend 
 [50] 
 
 Fi 
 
 Ai 
 
 A 
 
 Ag 
 
 W 
 
 Ca 
 
 Bi 
 
eecy trees 
 J 
 
 li 
 
 1 silent 
 
 V 
 
 g, dawning 
 ' darker 
 tianges. 
 
 inds 
 
 Withal grief and Godly fears 
 
 Distract the mind 
 
 How long should man bewail his friend 
 
 Of if subject to time 
 
 When should it begin to end 
 
 If cheerfulness be medicine to living man 
 
 Shall we refuse comfort and die too 
 
 Or shall we cling to moderation 
 
 But does the Child of Moderation 
 
 E'er rise above mediocrity 
 
 Yes, friend whate'er betide 
 
 We shall mourn 
 
 Consolations will heal the gap 
 
 Nothing is impossible from Above 
 
 We too may die 
 
 We should ne'er forget our comrade 
 
 Nor shall mirth abound 
 
 With wont display 
 
 Until its advent be no dishonor 
 
 To thy bed. 
 
 A LADY. 
 
 a friend 
 
 Fair Lady, my thoughts are all on thee 
 And thoughts of contradictions 
 A moment I rejoice that I have met thee 
 Again I rue the moment. Not that thou 
 Wert ever cold to me; but feelings that 
 Cannot be described beset me 
 But a touch of the gentle hand 
 
 [51] 
 
A knowing glance is medicine 
 
 But a narcotic in this much 
 
 That I yearn again to meet thee 
 
 Though I often falter at thy doorstep 
 
 I have been frugal and now I'm wealthy 
 
 But is wealth sufficient? 
 
 Is it equal to your charms that so entrance 
 
 Annie thou 'rt a beauty 
 
 To seek thee is a duty 
 
 Imposed by the taste 
 
 The poor are thy debtors 
 
 And the rich are in fetters 
 
 Neither claim to be better 
 
 Nor best. But in haste 
 
 They proclaim 
 
 Their distain 
 
 Of the people who will quarrel 
 
 Out of prejudice to caste. They shall -arol 
 
 Rhymes and lays when the day 
 
 Is in the west, till the moon in her array 
 
 Is at her best. 
 
 Thus sweet Annie smoothes the pillow 
 
 Of a thousand lads of promise 
 
 Though she's lonely 'neath the aspens 
 
 Of her cottage by the stream 
 
 For every youth that sees her 
 
 Is not Octavius Caesar 
 
 And Cleopatra's charms 
 
 Note:— Octavius Caesar's mind could not be 
 changed by a woman. 
 
 [52] 
 
-p 
 
 ilthy 
 titrance 
 
 ' 
 
 II ;:arol 
 ray 
 
 V 
 
 They say did good and harm 
 
 Not so the charms of Annie 
 
 Though surely they were many. 
 
 Nor was she dearth of lovers 
 
 Who oft around did hover 
 
 As bees that seek for honey 
 
 As misers yearn for money 
 
 A look from her was pleasure 
 
 The smiles and word were treasures 
 
 That would a bankrupt heal. 
 But Annie was so lowly 
 So dutiful so lowlv 
 The gossips got . ord 
 In forboding al . .ost 
 There was one I shall portray 
 Though he lived some miles away 
 Was the favoured of them all 
 When they met before the wall 
 Then the fallals that they wore 
 'Neath two trees that formed a doorway 
 Gave an added beauty true 
 To the one and to the two 
 What with roses and with flowers 
 As they passed the golden hours 
 'Twas a picture that a bard 
 Would have reckoned very hard 
 She sings: — 
 
 not be 
 
 (Tune, Annie L.) 
 
 The moon displays so bonny 
 The glades rejoice serene 
 [53] 
 
The ; ;pen, fir and holly 
 Adorn the restful scene. 
 The birds have ceased the lay 
 That eased my cares by day 
 But now my thoughts are Johnny 
 He comes each night to me. 
 
 The sailc- loves the compass 
 That guides his bark along 
 The soldier loves the rifle 
 That aids both truth and song. 
 But not a love have I 
 If Johnny's self be nigh 
 My true, my faithful Johnny 
 He comes each night to me. 
 
 Ye seargeants, why delay him? 
 A pass, O why deny? 
 He'll reach you by reveilie 
 Or by his side I die. 
 O morn delay thy speed 
 Art thou and wars agreed 
 To wile away my Johnny 
 He comes each night to me. 
 
 The past is getting dreamy, 
 The future, I can't see; 
 'Tis me that's all, believe me, 
 But still I'll wait a wee. 
 The breezes rise and fall, 
 Their echoes warble all 
 W:th boding thoughts of Johnny 
 He comes each night to me. 
 [54] 
 
Here comes my lovely Johnny 
 And says 'twill soon be done 
 And peace is brought by triumphs 
 Our General great has won. 
 He vanquished all our foes 
 And now my joy o'erflows 
 Each day and hour with Johnny 
 He comes each night to me. 
 
 The white flag gleams a league 
 
 And lo! the guns 
 
 We hear the bugle pealing forth 
 
 Their cavalry are by a brodk 
 
 That foams along a ridge 
 
 And twenty cannon peer 
 
 Frcm the borders of a forest 
 
 We were ordered in echelon 
 
 And we met the first we solight 
 
 While the rest kept on 
 
 And we spent the livelong day 
 
 Giving fire 
 
 Waiting fire 
 
 Sure that comrades dear before us 
 Safely were. 
 
 Sure their rights were all respected 
 Prompt and fair. 
 And the god of battles judged us 
 To have kept the way 
 And the shades of Freedom voiced them 
 To have won the day, 
 Then hurrah! for William Young 
 Gift of the heather 
 [55] 
 
We tread the earth if we wish 
 Light as a feather, 
 And our marshal urged a treaty 
 That was good for friend or foe 
 For it stipulated clearly 
 That oppression be no more 
 That election must be honest 
 That abuse and crafty measures 
 Must not ever more be used, 
 Neither shall we brook compulsion 
 To maintain a creed or cause 
 Nor shall public chest be opened 
 For the welding of a party 
 But shall open for the people 
 When the country's needs require, 
 And if Wisdom, sage accountant, 
 In her Ledger of the movements. 
 Recognize that opposition 
 Contra like, perfects the matter 
 Till it gravitate to balance; 
 Then let Power and Opposition 
 Then let credit strong and debit 
 Then let both be clear and honest 
 Let them be for one and all. 
 Oft we're told that our's the country 
 Ours the land where wealth abounds 
 Forests mines and fertile farms 
 Everything thing the heart desires. 
 What avails it if we must not 
 Touch a leased or granted claim 
 What avails it if no railways 
 Lie to bear the load away. 
 [56] 
 
THE LAST NIGHT. 
 
 Our name has scaled the tower of fame 
 
 But this was not our studied game 
 
 It was for Liberty we stood 
 
 And King and Country judge us good 
 
 How victory differs from defeat 
 
 As bitter roots from apples sweet 
 
 When victory crowns the world applauds 
 
 When failure comes there's naught but God 
 
 Prince Charlie lost his mighty name 
 
 Though weaker arms were all to blame. 
 
 Prince Charlie's prestige's at Culloden 
 
 King James' last will — the Field of Flodden' 
 
 Were they victorious many ages 
 
 Would vie in vaunting them as sages, 
 
 First Washington was but a rebel 
 
 Today he's like another Abel 
 
 While George the Third is King or Cain 
 
 According as our Fortune reigns 
 
 But now we'll have a cheerful night 
 
 Away with bygones and with fight 
 
 Here come the ladies richly dressed 
 
 Here come they, good, yes, better, best, 
 
 We sing a song till echoes ring 
 
 Till Fancy soars and joy be King. 
 
 The following three songs also by the author, 
 James D. Gillis, are here appended: 
 
 [57] 
 
BONNY BIRDIE. 
 
 (Tune:~Dainty Davie.) 
 
 Meet me 'tween the byways twa 
 Bonny Birdie, charming Birdie 
 I'll be there whate'er befall 
 By own, my dear, my Birdie. 
 
 A maid who dwells on yonder hill 
 Is certain cure for all my ills 
 And sure, I never lover until 
 I met my charming Birdie. 
 
 She's barely yet apast her teens 
 If folks may judge by looks and mien 
 But mong our belles she's just a queen, 
 My own dear youthful Birdie. 
 
 Her mouth is tinted red's a rose 
 Her face with warm affection glows — 
 I prize the morn that first I chose 
 The road that leads to Birdie. 
 
 Her toilet's in the height of taste 
 Despite domestic cares and haste; 
 And O to span that artless waist— 
 The tempting waist of Birdie. 
 
 Her voice is music to my ear, 
 At eventide the gloaming near, 
 And what care I who may ppear 
 So constant is my Birdie. 
 
 [58] 
 
^^ hen 1 am nestled by her side, 
 How fond I wish she were my bride! 
 
 She's O so sweet whate'er betide 
 
 I'd die without my Birdie. 
 
 To me she's all the earth and more 
 In her I sight the future shore 
 Today I love as ne'er before 
 The Pow'rs that gave my Birdie. 
 
 The subject of the foregoing was Mary 
 Jessie Ann Dunbar (better known as Birdie 
 Dunbar). Both she and Mr. Gillis were youth- 
 ful at that time. The scene is Lake Ainslie 
 
 1, 
 
 [591 
 
RUTH ANNIE. 
 
 (Pronounce like Rose Annie. 
 Laurie.) 
 
 Tune : — Annie 
 
 'Mong Scotsville lawns so spicy 
 How nice to roam at ease, 
 And mingle with the fairest 
 That warble 'neath the trees ; 
 But arbor joys are vain, 
 And so shall aye remain 
 Compared with sweet Ruth Annie, — 
 She's life or death to me. 
 
 Attired in Eaton's latest 
 She's just a sight to view; 
 Her sprightly step is music, 
 And art attained by few 
 Her talk is light and free, 
 And healthful as the breeze 
 That roams the broad Atlantic, — 
 She's life or death to me. 
 
 O famed Canadian beauties. 
 How oft I think upon 
 The fact that you're the fairest 
 Of beauties wooed and won. 
 Then O how fine to see 
 That all in candour free 
 Proclaim you best, Ruth Annie! — 
 You're life or death to me. 
 
 Th 
 McPi 
 famil 
 State 
 imab 
 
 [601 
 
nnie 
 
 For years you've been my study,- 
 I labor but to earn 
 A moment with Ruth Annie 
 Among yon shaded ferns. 
 Then fairest maid my glee 
 Is perfect joy with thee, — 
 O there I see Ruth Annie, — 
 She's life or death to me. 
 
 The subject of the foregoing was Ruth Annie 
 McPhail of Scotsville. She is one of an excellent 
 family. A sister, Mary Ann, died in the United 
 States some years ago. She too was an est- 
 imable ladv. 
 
 161 1 
 
MISS McKAY. 
 
 (Tune- — Sweet Marie.) 
 
 I regret to see you go, Miss McKay; 
 
 Other hearts are sad I know, Miss McKay; 
 
 But we must he all resigned, 
 
 Lest our patience fall behind ; 
 
 Yet, we'll miss your face so kind, Miss McKay. 
 
 Miss McKay, can't you stay, Miss McKay, 
 
 O my heart is sad today. Miss McKay; 
 
 For your voice it was so kind 
 
 That with grief I'm almost blind 
 
 To reflect I'm left behind. Miss McKay. 
 
 But our loss is Boston's gain. Miss McKay; 
 
 You will lead in beauty's train. Miss McKay; 
 
 Uncle Sam will sing your praise — 
 
 Sing your merits and your ways. 
 
 Till you find that virtue pays, Miss McKay. 
 
 Sweet the day that first we met. Miss McKay! 
 
 'Tis a day I shan't forget. Miss McKay, 
 
 At a picnic at the lake, 
 
 Where the poet's gift awakes, 
 
 There your face my heart did take, Miss McKay. 
 
 Many a happy day we've been, Miss McKay, 
 Side by side like King and Queen, Miss McKay, 
 Can I trust that future years 
 
 [62] 
 
Other equal types of cheer 
 
 Shall present us O so near, Miss McKay. 
 
 Now farewell a long farewell, Miss McKay, 
 
 That I'm sad I need not tell, Miss McKay, 
 
 While at heart my sorrow burns 
 
 As is wont of him who mourns 
 
 May I trust that you'll return, Miss McKay. 
 
 The subject of the foregoing was Christy A./i 
 MacKav, of Scotsville, later Mrs. Duncan 
 MacMiilan. She was l^eautiful and talented, 
 Two brothers served in the Cuban campaign. 
 A brother, John, was a good scholar and an 
 excellent reader. 
 
 1631