Page:Canada, and other poems by Herbin, John Frederic.djvu/11

 The day is come, the men are born Whose kingdom hath begun ; A nation enters on the field Of lal^ors yet undone — A nation set on earth so vast Its day must h"nger long ; And the bright sun that makes it fair Will make the people strong. Along the country's hills and plains, The cities yet to rise I see like shadows broad and dense Beneath the lower skies. Far up the North where verdureless The whaler finds the shore ; Beside the oceans East and West Whence favoring currents pour, 'I'his age-protected land awakes On every mount and plain ; The thrill of purpose high and good Bestirs the hearts of men. No weakling bends to servitude, Or heedless of his toil, Looks for a rank, spontaneous growth On this ambitious soil. Yet youthful, under strifeless skies, To bloodless colors bound, No foe has fallen on our dust To mark a battle-ground. A restless spirit stirs them, yet Untried in batde-fields, What motto valor dare emblaze Upon their dindess shields.