Page:Canada, and other poems by Herbin, John Frederic.djvu/13

 ERE, in this land so bountiful to man In fertile soil and seasons timely made, Stray winds of discontent do sometimes fan The flowering peace, and dull the day with shade.

Still, Union has raised up her stainless flag, Unfurled secure where nothing shall betray; When Loyalty calls them forth, how few will lag To own their manhood and their country's sway.

From these fair shores that fringe the tidal sea Hath Commerce found a roadway o'er the wave. The breezes come and go for all, and free, And find no man a vassal or a slave.

On mountain-side the dark pines stately lift Their heavy branches to the changeful sky; Thus were these shores when once the ocean-drift Was left upon their rocky banks to dry.

Then, Labor, coming warmed with noble blood That brought our fathers to a freer land, Tore from the earth the firmly rooted wood; And cleared the meadows with a tireless hand.

That day and courage are not ended yet, For greater labor tasks the strength of hands; Unfinished things before the workmen set; Cities yet unbuilt, unbroken lands.