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1857–1954

CANADIAN FAITH.

William Douw Lighthall

In the name of many martyrs Who have died to save their country, Poured their fresh blood bravely for it, And our soil thus consecrated;

In the name of Brock the peerless, In the name of Spartan Dollard, Wolfe and Montcalm — world's and ours — The high spirit of Tecumseh;

Of the eight who fell at Cut Knife, Bright in early bloom and courage, When our youth leapt up for trial; In the names of thousand others

Whom we proudly keep remembered As our saviours from the Indian, From the savage and the rebel, Or from Hampton, or Montgomery

By Quebec's old faithful fortress; And at Chrysler's Farm and Lundy; And upon the lakes and ocean; Or who lived us calmer service;—

Many is the roll, and sacred;— In their names a voice is calling, Through this native land of ours! Hark, for we have need to listen!

All our martyrs warn and shame us. Do not let them see us cowards! Why are all these faint-heart whispers In the very hour of progress?

Tattles of disquiet vex us, And among us are new enemies — Cowards, weak, ignoble whiners, Esaus, placemen, low-browed livers,

Traitors, salesmen of a nation. Some would have us drop despondent And convince us we are nothing. ( Us of whom ten thousand heroes

Hitherto to here have conquered And we must be faithful to them! ) Some are hypocrites and cynics; Some would wreck us; some would leave us;

Even in the hour of peril Would the hand of many fail us; They would almost make to falter Our old simple faith in God.

Therefore this appeal, O brothers, Earnestly do I adjure you To believe and trust your country. By the glorious star of England,

Shining mast-high o'er all oceans; In the name of France the glorious; In the world-proud name of Europe; Whence you draw your great traditions;

I adjure you trust your country! By all noble thoughts of manhood; By the toil of your forefathers; By their sacrifices for you;

By the Loyalist tradition; And your own heart's generous instincts; I adjure you be Canadian.

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CANADIAN FAITH. · William Douw Lighthall · Poetry Cove