Page:Canada, and other poems by Herbin, John Frederic.djvu/9

 Appeal. CANADIANS I raise aloft your country's flag, Nor low to earth, nor lifeless see it drag. Up ! till each sign in gentle winds unread, Meets breezes strong, and every fold is spread. Its place is high, alK)ve the feeble gust That dims its color with a servile dust. Among the storms, there see it proudly move "I'he emblem of your country and your love - Where all its noble length becomes unfurled By winds that shake the proudest of the world. Then will the nations read upon its face, AVhatever, once, their country and their race, One hope and one ambition closely tie 'I'his people to a common destiny. A bond of kindred makes your pulses beat, Frank, Saxon, Kelt, with triple force and heat ; Your veins no longer separate currents run, Your hearts now animate and Ixat as one. Oh noble land and nation ] growing strong, One sky and flag is yours, whatever tongue. To hold and crown your rampart and your hall With zeal and valour, needs the strength of all. My countrymen, your fathers' valiant swords. Their kings' decrees, their .sages' golden words, The world through cycles down have ruled and led — A rich inheritance comes from the dead. Their wisdom and their light are for your hand, Blessed with the rule of this most fruitful lan(i. Thick years will come, sprung from the seed you sow And for those harvest-days that quickly flow. The nation w^alks a-field casting the seed Of worth and power, the future's urgent need.