"But as soon as he gets to the bank of the Rhine, He'll be met by the great German army." Then the Chancellor laughed, and he said, "I will dine, For I see nothing much to alarm me." Yet still as he went out he paused by the door (For his mind was in truth heavy laden), And he saw a stout fellow, equipped for the war, Embracing a fair-haired young maiden. Io! ho!" said the Chancellor, "this will not do, For Mars to be toying with Venus, When these Frenchmen are coming-a rascally crew! And the Rhine only flowing between us." So the wary old fox, just in order to hear, Strode one or two huge paces nearer; And he heard the youth say, "More than life art thou dear; But, O loved one, the Fatherland's dearer." Then the maid dried her tears and looked up in his eyes, And she said, "Thou of loving art worthy : When all are in danger no brave man e'er flies, And thy love should spur on thee." - not deter The Chancellor took a cigar, which he lit, And he muttered, "Here's naught to alarm me; By Heaven! I swear they are both of them fit To march with the great German army." THE CYNIC OF THE WOODS1 I COME from busy haunts of men, You cease, and through the forest drear I look aloft to yonder place, I'm in no mood for blatant jest, Besides, there passes through my brain Why should not an Australian strain 1 The giant kingfisher, or “laughing jackass." Sweeter than wild bird's throat, Again I'll see our long lost home As down the hill the woolly stream descends. Or now, the early "muster" over, And followed close by Nip and Rover, Here in the world's great heart abiding, Yes! now my wings I feel, So sweetly you have sung to me, ADIEU O SHEPHERDS! take my crook from me, Or chasing rhymes to wreathe the strain Above the stars I drift in thought, Rides on the wings of thought away, DOMINION OF CANADA Susanna Strickland Moodie CANADIAN HUNTER'S SONG THE Northern Lights are flashing "What cheer? What cheer?" The blithesome horn is sounding, The hearth is brightly burning, To greet their sire returning That merry band, Το grasp his hand And bid him welcome home! Charles Dawson Shanlp Nor far into the valley Had I dipped upon my way, When a dusky figure joined me, In a capuchon of gray, Bending upon the snow-shoes, With a long and limber stride ; For I saw by the sickly moonlight, Then the fear-chill gathered o'er me, And the otter-trappers found me, With my dark hair blanched and whitened As the snow in which I lay. But they spoke not as they raised me; For they knew that in the night I had seen the Shadow-hunter, And had withered in his blight. Sancta Maria speed us! The sun is falling low, Before us lies the valley Of the Walker of the Snow! Charles Heavysege Ah, I remember now, too much remember; But I am better: still methinks I fainted; Or was the whole a fearful, nightmare dream? Nay, am I yet not dreaming? No; I wake : And, as from dream or as from being born, Without the outery of a mother's travail; Or, as if waking from a revery, I to myself am ushered by strange music, That, in its solemn gentleness, falls on me Like a superior's blessing. Give me more Of this sweet benefit. [After having listened again. Who is this stranger? Yes, I know him now. T is not a heavenly spirit, though so like one, David. [Sings, accompanying himself on O Lord, have mercy on the king; Saul. [Aside.] He for me prays. O, heal thine own Anointed's hurt; Saul. [Aside.] I would not hide my faults; amen. Great God, thou art within this place; Saul. [Aside.] What have I done de- I cannot say 66 amen ";-and if I did, There disbelief takes prisoner my tongue! As after winter cometh spring, Saul. [Aside.] So able, yet so humble ! [Aloud.] David, no; Thou shalt remain and be mine armor bearer. What, wouldst thou seek again the idle downs, 'Midst senseless sheep, to spend the listless day, Watching the doings of thy ewes and rams ! Myself will teach thee military lessons; Swift to advance; how to surprise the foe; |