POETICAL LEISURE HOURS AND TORONTONIAN DESCRIPTIONS, IN FRENCH VERSE AND ENGLISH ESSAYS, FOLLOWED BY A TOKEN OF AFFECTION TO A DEPARTED AND FOND SISTER, AND A CURRICULUM VITAE. BY EMILE COULON, G.M., Formerly a Teacher in the Higher 8 ^hools and Ladies' Seminaries of Toronto and San Francisco, An ex-Examiner in Modern Languages at the University of Toronto, Ex-Professeur at tlie celebrated College de Juilly, Seine-et-Marne, Professeur Medaille a I'Associution Polytechnique de Paris, etc. 1897. TOFIONTO: ROW8BLL & HrTCIIISOS, rRINTKRF 18V»7. Entered according to Act of Parliament in the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven, by Emile Coulon, CONTENTS PAGE. Ancelin 37 Answer 12 Aubry 37 Baldwin, Mr^s 33 Blake, Mrs. . . 10 Blake, S. H 13 Boardings 20 Bloated Man 21 Bowes, G 35 Bucolics 14 Bulletin 39 Carruthers, Mrs 32 Cequ'il faut 19 Certificate 34 Charbonnel, Lordship de 31 Cockburn 36 Complaint 23 Coulon 27 Duggan, G 33 ! Forster, Mrs 31 Fitzgerald 39 Frank 32 Gentlemen 23 Grassett, Dean 34 Gzowski, Miss 9 Hagarty, Sir J. H 34 Harris, Mrs 34 Havergal College 17 Hawkins 31 Homonyms 25 Howe, br 32 Impromptu 9 Inscription 3 rAGR. Jarvis Street 16 Jesus 13 John Eaton \s Ladies 24 Langton, V. Ch 35 Lecture n Little Waif '.'.,[ 13 McCaul, Dr 33 Memoriam 26 Men 16 Miscellaneous . . . . , 14 Moss, Mrs 9 Old Girls' Club v...] 20 Pennefather 35 Portraiting 12 Preface 7 Queen's Jubilee 22 Returning 9 Ridout, G 32 Ridout, Mrs . 33 Ridout, Mr., Mrs 28 Robertson, Mrs 34 Rossin, Bros 34 Ryerson, Dr 33 Sullivan, Mrs 31 School Education 12 Sunday Car 15 Tache, Sir E. P 28 University Question 36 Visit to 19 Weissenborn, Dr 37 Wilson, Sir D 35 1848 26 TO THE HONOURABLE S. H. BLAKE, q.C, EX- VICE-CHANCELLOR, A OKNEKOrS PATRON AND FRIEND OK FINE ARTS AND POLITE LITERATURE, THESE HUMBLE ESSAYS AND COMPOSITIONS ARE HUMBLY INSCRIBED, AS A TRIBUTE OF GRATITUDE AND RESPECT, BY HIS FORMER TEACHER, Emile Coulon, G.M. Toronto, May, 1897. PREFACE. These small contributions of my Toronto leisure hours derive their only merit, if there he any, because tutored into me ; from the deep set affection I always entertained for the people of this city, who had made me one of theirs, through [their kindness to and interest for me. I must therefore be excused, having returned to Toronto, if I thus recall my name and former labours to the minds of those who had been my pupils, or had befriended me. Toronto, June, 1897. Toronto Leisure Hours. -♦•♦- Alack ! what poverty my Muse brings forth, That, having sxich a scope to show her pride. The arffumeiU, all hare, w of more worth Than when it hath my added praise beside ! —Shakespeare, Sonnet, CIII. To Miss Helen Gzowski, after Luncheon, Impromptu. Quelle que soit toute beauty EUe vient a])res la bonte. Admirons done de la femme Et son esprit et la flam me Qui, sortant de ^es yeux, Nous transpoi Lent aux cieux. Nos succes viennent d'elle ; Les amours sous son aile Font aspe'rer ces beaux jours. Qui devraient daver toujours. To Mrs. Prank Moss, on Returning a Book. Vous m'avez prett^ ce bon La Fontaine Que les etudiants ont pris en sotte haine. Je vous le rends ; je men suis servi : Mes compliments, bien a vous, merci. 10 To Mrs. Frank Moss- Aux bons parents Les bons enfants ! La fille, ce dit-on, ressemble au pere Surtout et surtout par le caractere. Comnie sa soeur, le fils de son cotd De sa mere aura meme qualitd Ainsi se transmettent les perfections ; Des bons parents, les plus nobles actions. Les enftints auront en |)artage Chose que dit si bien I'adage : Dans son fils le pere se trouvera ; Dans sa fille la mere revivra. To the Honourable Mrs. S. H. B., previous to her Departure for Murray-Bay. Vous nous quittez, Madame, Et trfi^sportez votre ame, Vers ces lointains beaux lieux, Favorisds des cieux, Vieille terre fran(;aise Oil Ton est a son aise : A Murray-Bay, Endroit si frais. Votre belle demeure sur Jarvis, Au numdro deux cent cinquante six, Se verra par votre absence, R(^duite au plus grand silence. Mais vous lui redonnerez, Puisque vous y reviendrez, Cette grace enchanteresse D'une parfaite maitresse De maison, De salon. 11 Introduction to one of my Lectures: Puisqu'il m'est ici permis Graces k tous mes amis, De produire devant vous Ce recit noble entre tous, Vous aurez douce souvenance Du plus beau langage de France. About Francois 1^^^ Stanza. Souvent femme varie, Bienfol est qui s'yjie; A dit Francois premier, Non certes, le dernier. L'homme est plus variable Dans ses amours De quelques jours, Que I'onde moins stable. Aussi puis-je ajouter, Sans vouloir me flatter, Que mes bouts-rimds, que ma stance, Vaut bien celle du roi de France. To Miss Helen Gzowski. Ne vient-on pas me dire Que vous aimez a rire Avecque des gens serieux ; lis en rendent grace aux cieux. lis admirent votre franchise, Et, permettez que je le disc, Votre bbUe humeur, Toute k votre honneur. 12 Answer to a Request of the same. Veut-on faire le portrait De toute jeune personne Qui raisonne ? Quelque soin que Ton prenne, La plume vous entraine Plus loin qu'on ne voudrait. Sur sa presence II se faut resigner, De preference, A la complimenter. Le9ons entre toutes, Sur mon sentiment Qui ne laisse doutes, Un unique instant. Portraiting to the same. Veuille ma muse m' inspirer Et me preter a mieux rimer. Ce n'est pas que ma pens^e Soit a court d'aucune id^e. Ce serait un grand honneur, D'avoir assez de bonheur, Inspire par votre presence, Que je puisse en toute conscience, De'peindre votre portrait Rempli de charme et d'attrait. School Education. Si Ton blame I'instruction d'une fille Qui ne se fait pas toujours en famille, C'est parce qu'en la mettant en pension, On lui enleve toute distraction. 13 To the Honourable S. H. B., about the Famous Picture of Munkacsi's Painting. ^ Jesus devant Pilate !^ gj Voyez avec quelle hate, ^. Israel va tout entier, v.^^ Faire revivre le del, Se perdre, se profaner. Telle apparut I'innocence Devant une folle engeanee De Juifs assembles, A jamais damnc^s. To a Little Waif. Chfere enfant a ton age, On est belle, on est sage ; Puisses-tu tres longtemps garder Ton printemps qui va comraencer ! Que plus tard sans cesse on te repete : Aime ceux qui ont lame replete De bons sentiments, de bonne intention, Et veillent sur toi avec attention. Sois douce envers tous les malheureux ; Oh^ris ceux qui par toi sont heureux ; Sois surtout bonne et serieuse. Sans manquer d'etre un peu rieuse. Souris a ta mere, a ta nourrice ; Deteste les mechants, hais le vice ; Aime Dici!,aiecontiance en toi, Tu sauras bien des choses de moi. Que tes jeunes et belles annt^es Soient k jamais de tleurs parseme'es : Car je son^e i\ ton avenir, De loin, avec un long soupir. 14 Les traits de ton charmant visage, ii(^pondeRc bien a ton image. "Quand pourrai-je renouveler €e que j'envoie: un long baiser Miscellaneous. Je ne eonnais flatterie Ni sotte forfanterie. N'attends de moi nuls vers D'un gout par trop pervers. Qu'il te suffise Que je te dise : Tu es aimable Autant qu'afFable. Bucolics. I. Errer dans la campagne Au bras de sa campagne, Par les beaux jours Qui sont toujours, Qui ne devine ? Faveur divine ! C'est pour bien des gens Les plus doux moments. 11. Un ciel brumeux, Un jour pluvieux, N'emp^che une belle Qui n'est pas rebelle, D'avoir avec vous Un doux rendez-vous. 15 III. L'amour tyrannise ; Qui ne s'hiimanise ? La belle cruelle Fait retour sur elle, Se laissant aimer, Et meme baiser. The Sunday Car Question. Rien de plus beau sur I'Ontario Que Toronto, Ville entre toutes bien situee, Et a portee D'une foule d'agr^ments, De monuments. Dedans sa rade spaeieuse Et delicieuse, Circulent pendant I'et^ En sdrete Quantite de sfoelettes En toilettes. La ville, pour parler net, A un aspect D'une fort belle apparence, De grande aisance. Elle a de nombreux tramways On ne pent mieux faits ; Lesquels sillonnent les rues A perte de vues. Mais elle craint de souffrir Pour son avenir, Qu'ils ne changent It silence Du dimanche, En divers amusements Pour les gens ; Et qu'en negligeant I'^glise Cela ne nuise Au calme, a la religion De la population. 16 The Jarvis Street Bicyclists. One hundred and eighty six Jarvis Street, The humble abode of my retreat. Dardant sur mes croisfe Toutes vitr(^es, Le soleil du matin Qui est si sain, Raj^onne sur la piste Du bic}?cliste. Des arbres la sombreur, Grande douceur, Ombrage ies allees, Droit alignees, Et Ies coureurs d'velo, A Toronto, Qui font bien sans secousses Toutes leurs courses. Men Past and Present. Chez tous Ies peuples une foi nouvelle A Dieu demande la vie (^ternelle, Faisant entendre leurs plaintifs accents, Offrant I'encens et beaucoup de presents. Sinc^rement je vois le Christianisme Fort au dessus de ce vieux Judaisme, Qui, si longtemps endormi dans sa loi, Enti^rement avait perdu la foi Que Ies prophetes autant que Moise, Grands homines tous de la terre promise, Vainement s'eftbrcerent d'inculquer Au peuple hdbreu, et de le preparer A supporter ses durcs servitudes ; A patiemment changer ses habitudes. 17 Or, dix-neuf siecles sont deja passes, Et les Chretien^ ^ar V Esprit eleves, Retombent dans les memes profondeurs, Triste abime de leurs predecesseurs. D^s aujourd'hui on voit les masses folles, Aussi laches et encore plus molles, Comme autrefois adorer le Veaii cVor ; Plover genou, s'abaisser plus encor Du cote que se trouve la richesse, Au moyen de la plus humble bassesse. Je prefere beaucoup le moyen-age, Qui avait la noblesse pour partage, A ces ddtestables et fausses o-ens Qui, par la ruse deviennent puissants ; Se croyent quelque chose, et s'imaginent Qu'ils sont nes, et, pour la gloire cheminent ; Eux qu'intrigues ou faveurs ont placets Dans des emplois qu'ils n'ont pas merites. Qui oserait nier qu'ainsi va le monde Sur notre si vieille machine ronde ? On an Exhibition at Havergal College May 14th, 1897. Ce soir-la jetais a peine entre Que je me vis aussitot place En face un essaim de jeunes filles, Charmant et tendre espoir des families. Rangees en cercle sur des bancs, Selon leurs ages, selon leurs rangs ; Formant tout ensemble une corbeille Dont nos jardins n'ont point la pareille ; Semblables a ces belles fleurs Qui se vont dpanouir en choeur3 De chants harmonieux, douce musique ;. Pour tout dire, c'dtait magnifique. 2 18 C'est done par une belle instruction Jointe a une bonne education, Que se refletent sur les visages De la bont^ les suaves images ; Et leur impriinent en traits vivants Ce que la femme a des plus touchants. On John Eaton's Fire. L'l]eureuse souvenance d'une boutique Tout-a-fait belle et chique, Fit que j'entrai, seduit par sa splendeur, Epris de sa grandeur. Mollement assis, I'ascenseur me monte, Je I'avoue a ma honte, A la salle-a-manger, vers ces beaux lieux Qui n'offrent rien de mieux. Je m'pla9ai sans tarder a une table Pour le moins assez stable ; Parcourant la liste de tous les mets, Espoir de mes souhaits, Dans la trompeuse, mais sotte assurance D'refaire conna^^sance Avec un gros biftec qu'un beau matin, J'avais eu, ayant faim. A me servir une nymphe zelee, A I'instar de I'Hc^b^e, S'empressa de m'ofFrir com me regal. De cc plat sans ^gal, Que Ton nomme, je crois, tarte-^-rhubarbe Et couleur de ma barbe. Je n'eus plus tot a ma bouche port^ De ce pie si vant^, Que je dus repousser chaque bouchde De pate agglutin^e. 19 Le ciel en son courroux et par vengeance, Se montra sans cl^mence, En rotissant a ma seule intention Les plats et la maison. Aussi doux, cependant, que magnanime, U n'eut pas de victirae. Ce qu'il faut au poete. Je me souviens d'une romance Qu'en musique j'appris en France ; Disant qu'au poete il faut Tamour Pour faire a la muse sa cour. Le vers sous sa plume s'^gare ; II re9oit I'id^e qui pare : C'est vous, Mesdames, avec raison, Vous, qui faites naitre la passion. A votre intention, sous votre egide, C'est sur vous que sa rime se guide ; Qu'il reproduit et sans trop d'efFort Ce que la muse lui jette en sort. II parle de vous, et c'est justice ; II met ses vers a votre service. De meme Homere peignant H^l^ne, Et les h^ros de toute la sc^ne. After a Visit to a Minister. Que les hommes officiels de France Me font rire par leur suffisance ! lis afFublent I'air r^publicain, Et vous ont des monarques le train. Vive des Canadians la franche brusquerie ! Elle a un certain charme et plus de bonhomie. "Toronto, June 2nd, 1897. 20 Boarding Houses. To Miss Pearl Bennett, in Alexandrine or Heroic Verse. Veux-tu du menage t'^pargner le tracas ? Va-t'en dans un Boarding vivre sans embarras. L^, ne t'en d^plaise, tu auras pour toi-meme : Paix, ris, confort, loisir et plats de toute creme ; Sans compter le beurre, les gateaux, le pudding ; Et ce qu'on appelle mince joies de Boarding ; Le moelleux matelas, linge fin de boutiques ; Couvertures chaudes et sommiers dlastique'i. Rebelle a tous potins, c'est de pure invention Qu'une oreille avide s'en choque avec raison. L'esprit ne s'y perd point, non plus que les manieres ; Ni la sant^, sous I'oeil bienveillant cle ces meres Qui, sans autre profit qu'un noble devoument, Font de leurs demeures le plus bel ornement ; D'ou les pensionnaires toutes a leurs toilettes, S'en vont tuer le temps a diverses emplettes, Si je peins les Boardings avec tant de chaleur, C'est que j'en puis parler en profond connaisseur. Le bon gout domine ; la proprete parfaite Expand sur ces maisons un charmant air de fete ; Sied a une ville, proclame Toronto, La Reine de VOuest, the Queen of Ontario. Old Girls' Club Bazaar IN AID OF THE WORKING BOYS' HOME. Vous demandez, Mesdemoiselles, Que, pour chanter votre Bazar, Je dois, temoin de ses merveilles, Le c^l(^brer de votre part. 21 A votre kge, pour les mis^res, Vous poss(^clez 1 ame des meres Qui vont d^s lors, d'un air radieux, Vous contempler du haut des cieux. Elles savent qu'avec instance, Vous prot^gez la tendre enfance, Et secourez les ouvriers Qu'au fond du coeur vous admirez. L'amour du bien chez vous domine Par cette foi vrairnent divine, Que Jdsus-Christ, notre Seigneur, A depose'e en votre ccieur. J'en donne ici le temoignage, Qu'en vers j'dcris dans mon langage. (Havergal College, Friday, June 4th, 1897.) E. C. Bloated Man. Parmi tant d'animaux, que I'homme est tyrannique ! Qu'il soit en R^publique ou qu'il soit monarchique ; Qu'il soit Juif ou Chretien ou bien Mahometan ; Qu'il lise la Bible, qu'il lise le Koran ; Qu'il soit, manchot, bete, gueux, riche ou bon apotre ; Toujours il se eroira plus et mieux qu'aucun autre. Tout comme la terre, le monde tournera ; Sans cesse a tour de role un peuple perira : T^moin des temps passes I'immense multitude, Qui n'a laisse d'elle que vaste solitude. J'imagine sciemment que nos fieres notions Ne sont, dans I'ensemble, que de pures fictions. Telles ont disparu des quantites de terres ; Et avec leurs travaux, les villes de nos peres. Ces bas-fonds que les mers recouvrent de leurs eaux, Etaient des empires, peut-etre, encor plus beaux. Ne nous flattons done point, pygmees que nous sommes; Dien seul nous a conduits; Dieu seul connait les hommes. 22 To Mrs. Frank Moss and Miss Helen Gzowski. 1837. The Queen's Jubilee. 1897. II ^tait (lit qu' un nom fran9ais Assurerait pour le succes De la plus heureuse des Reines, Dont les qualites souveraines Se font sentir en tous endroits, Qu'un peuple entier jouit de ses droits. II porte avec lui 1' all^geance De ces anciens sujets de France ; II prdsente, Premier Lcmrier, La foi du Dominion entier. Et ce frangais de cette terre, Belle conquete d' Angleterre, Vient lionorer sa Majeste, De soixante ans le jubile. L'Inde et toutes les colonies, A leur tour et sans jalousies, Acclament bonne Victoria, Comme Reine du Canada. Heureux un peuple libre et tout en fetes. Qui assure par ses nobles conqu^tes La grandeur de la fiere et libre Albion, Du monde entier la premiere nation. Que Dieu, qui sur nous toujours regne, Accorde a Victoria, et daigne Lui conserver bien des annees De paix, de bonheur couionn^es ! On se rappellera longtemps Ce beau regne de soixante ans, Que les Anglais ont cel^br^ Par un immense Jubile. June 24th. E. C. 23 ■ ENGLISH ESSAYS. Alack ! what poverty my Muse brings forth, That, having such a scope to show her pride, The arqument, all bare, is of more worth Than when it hath my nMed praise beside ! —Shakespeare, Sonnet, CIII. A Complaint. Though us'd to the whims and ways of the world, I shaU not my poor and tir'd head abase To stoop unconquer'd before misled slaves, Who spitefully would use their master's name. In the hope they through him might eas'ly gain That dear and little sum of knavish power To which they themselves couldn't have any claim. E. COULON. June, 1897. Gentlemen. Beware of the ignorant people's judgment 1 For such, is appearance ever potent. Such a one they consider quite a fad, - Who impertinent acts, and is well clad. A one eyed may to satisfaction play With purblind at blindman's buff, now-a-day. So many eager fools will, by the way, Ever despise all intellectual sway ; And run so much the more after that lore Which riches alone can safe buy and store ; Which again to them must forthwith procure : Ease, coinfort, repute, power ; and secure For them a right to be called gentlemen. E. C. 24 To Mrs. Frank Moss and Miss Helen Gzowski. The Frank love of Paris for Helen Was one of mortal bliss and heaven ; It caus'd how'ver such a tug of war, That the Greeks and Trojans went so far, As to fight, as men fight, ten whole years, And shed for Helen their blood and tears. E. C. June 24th, 1897. Ladies. We all wear clothes to be in the fashion ! Such is woman's common and great passion* Great though and precious as its measure be, It cannot surely compare, as w'ill see, With that which consists for her dignity. To be consider'd and call'd a lady. And though her manners and her thoughts Be coarser still than other noughts, She will hence fairly be demented, If you do not take her for granted. The useful hours she will spend In idle talk, giggles, dress ; and tend, Out of a band-box coming in full dress. Simpletons to capture, and surely impress That forever numerous and loud class of men, Who consider as ladies, dressed up women ; Despising that quiet, gentle demeanour Of true worth, virtue, and simple armour. E. C. 25 Homonyms. Goodall, Mrs. Youngheart, Miss Pearl, Kremer, Humphrey, Coulon, Herring, Treby. So may in our midst goodall be, While youngheart, pearl are what we see, Since gossips are what we cremer* And since common sense w^e prefer ; Therefore will our huriidrum. defray Conversations which, in some way, Must by fits and starts and reason Passions tumultuous coolon. To err is erring : Prudence befitting ; Thus were the Romans off their lee, Lick'd by Hannibal at Trehie. E. C. Cremer for cremate. 2U In Memoriam. A devoted and exemplary life, or a tribute of ajfection to a Sister. At all times men have been prompt at bombast, and have devoted their high flown literary ability to exalt the high deeds of chivalry, warfare and military achievements ; they have been loth to hand down to posterity, as examples to the world, that most benevo- lent, precious above all, spirit of goodness, self-devotion and self-sacrifice; because it was limited to a very small sphere of action. But this preambule diverts me from the tribute in view ; and that tribute is, I must be excused, to trace down, while able to do so, the rare qualities which adorned my dear departed sister whose life was but a continual action of good deeds, thoughts and kindnesses to every one saiis exception. She was 3'et a very young woman, when she was left unprepared and unexperienced, at the head of our family by the early death of our mother. All who have known her, were unanimous to acknowledge she was the kindest creature they ever met. Though of a very weak constitution, her tenacity and courageous spirit fought the battle of life, as no one in her physi- cal capacity could have done and succeeded as she did. The events of the French revolution of 1848, left our father broken in fortune ; his important and well- known firm of Commissionyiaire de Boulage et ExpeUitenr at Paris, in the busy centre of that Capital, run down and ruined as well as his hopes, from which he never recovered, in spite of his many attempts to better himself ; he was obliged to let his children shift for themselves unaided. The little that was left him was chiefly employed to allow our brother to continue his course of studies in one of the famous schools of 27 engineers at Paris. As to my sister and self, well, we had, or rather my dear sister had, since I was too young in years, to shape our course the best way she could. She came to Canada and assumed the arduous duties of a governess in one of the first ladies' seminary, then extent in the city of Toronto. She was not long to call me to her ; and with the little money and learning she possessed, she soon made me clothe the garb of a would-be teacher. It looked so queer to see a lad of my size undertake such a task that the good people of Toronto soon took an interest in my youthful endeavours, and I soon became » general favourite among parents and pupils. Still, my sister was not satisfied with that simple result ; she felt her work would not be satisfactorv if she did not try to bring her second and older brother next to her loving heart, and surround herself with her full brotherly atlections, since she could not depend on having her father, whom she loved and respected so much, he being of a restless disposition, ever ready to try his hand at anything he came across to further his schemes of fortune. Our father who had left his country and had suffered by the many political changes, came to the United States with the firm belief that his quality of a staunch Republican whose family and name had more or less been connected with the wars* of the French and English Colonists, would be taken for granted, when on the free soil of America. He forgot that a stranger thrown among an English speaking population, must pass for a lost unit, when supported only by what he could have claimed, and whatever political creed he adhered to. * Our father claiming relationship with Couiou do Jumonville, a French officer, killed in 1754. 28 Our brother, on whose capacity and learning we had reckoned so much, did not succeed to ingratiate him- self in the minds of Canadians ; his thorough French education, ideas and manners had been too strongly rooted in him to allow him to take up at once the language, manners and ideas of the people he came in contact with. He was, however, attached to the Board of Works at Montreal, a position he owed to the friendship which Mr. and Mrs. liidout of the Bank of Upper Canada entertained for me. In spite of the good will of Sir E. F. Tache, then minister of finances, he did not long retain his position that he had filled with zeal and ability, owing to the ill will of a noted and influential polit'oian, whose power had been surprised by a third party decidedly hostile to my brother. It was a great blow to us all and in particular to my sister, who became clamorous for sunny France, where she thought she might find a larger field for her brothers and her own activity. I was too well anchored with the people of Toronto, where I could count every body for my friend, to think for a moment to move out of my pleasant sphere. After their futile attempt in France, my sister and brother returned to me, and things went smooth enough, till it was debated about settling forever in Canada. Opinions differed : my sister clung to France and dreaded the idea of pai'ting forever from a country for which she had retained such vivid youthful recollec- tions ; and it was decided I should marry in a family that had been so much and so early connected with our past history. It was not long after she saw her mistake, as her ways and affections had turned Canadian, in spite of herself and unaware to her. 29 The result was that as we had no longer any deep rooted sympathy in Toronto, it were better to disperse and try our luck elsewhere. My sister went back to France; my brother to California where our father pretended he had struck a bonanza ; as for me, I loitered for another year hoping to recover my lost ground. My young wife became despondent and lonesome ; and after refusing a chair of modern languages at Halifax, N.S., I also retraced my steps to la belle France. Two years of French life made me a dissatisfied citizen : I had too long and too young been severed' from French habits to find myself satisfied with my lot, which was however one of a rather mateiial bliss and quiet. My sister could not accustom herself to live all by herself ; her loving heart looked for new occasions to devote herself to her kindred ; and although she might have had a life of modest ease and comfort in one of the most pleasant provinces of France, in Touraine, she left all and would join her father and brother whose circumstances did certainly retjuire her indomit- able spirit. She sailed, was wrecked in December, 18G5, opposite Cherbourg, got safely on all fours out of the ship ; and nothing daunted, sailed again from Southampton in a German ship which nearly foundered at sea, but yet arrived safe at New York, en route for California. She entered the public schools of California where she endeared herself to everybody and became of great assistance to both her father and brother. But our dear brother, learned as he was, was of a timid disposition, he having remained the quiet student of old, and not naturally inclined to goheadism and struggle among many who were his inferiors with regard to learning and capacity. He gave away to ilespondency, left California, went back to France 30 where he found even less sympathy, and died, God knows how, in 1870, mourned by us all and by me in particular who doted on him. That was my first shock in life, and was the com- mencement of all my troubles and regrets. My sister who had now centered all her deep affections upon me, withstood the loss better than I did; and time wore on, and she became more and more a useful and successful teacher in the public schools of California. For twenty years she kept her post sup- ported, as she had been all the way, by her tireless industry and public, opinion, till at last exhausted physically and mentally, she retired from public life and came back to France to end her pure, useful life and hard earned tranquility with me, whom she loved with the fondness of a mother. She did not long enjoy that quiet she had so richly deserved, and after two years she breathed her dear und lovely spirit into me, making me ever regret the time she had spent so long away from me, leaving me alone in the world with a dear and tender wife that was soon to follow her. Yet, I am positive that the good she did, the ex- amples of a pure and devoted life have not remained trackless. Those who have known her are witness that this Christian world becomes the more humane and good, inasmuch as it is composed of the elements, however small the particles may be, that constitute what we might term the image of that divine essence which the good shall possess and enjoy even in this life and in the next, for their kindness, self-devotion and sacrifice. E. COULON. Toronto, May, 1897. CURRICUIsUM V'TAB » <•» » TESTIMONIALS TO PROF. EMILE COULON, 1856-1868. From His Lordship ARZIAND DE CHAR BONN EL, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Toronto.— {Toronto, June 8th, 1856.) Le porteur, M. E. Coulox, est le seul Fran^ais que je connaisse en Canada qui prononce sa langue avec le veritable accent de Paris, avec Vore rotundo dont parle Horace. M. CouLON n'a pas besoin de se dire de Paris ; et il se dirait de Lyon, de Marseille ou de Bordeaux (^ue je ne le croirais pas. From Mrs. Justice SULLIVAN— {Toronto, June 9th, 1856.) Sir, — I have much pleasure in oft'ering my testimonial of the great ability and assiduity you evinced in the instruction of mj^ daughters in the French language. It will afford me gratification to hear that you succeed in obtaining the appointment of which you are desirous in the Upper Canada College. From Mrs. FO RSTER— {Vinelmrst, June 13th, 1856.) Mr. E. CouLON has instructed Mrs. Fprster's pupils the last two years and a half, and she can conscientiously recommend him as a most excellent, painstaking and indefatigable master. From Mr. W. HA W KINS.— {Toronto, June 13th, 1856.) Mr. E. CouLON has been giving lessons at my house for the last two years, and during that period I have had i eason to form the highest opinion of his capabilities professionally, and of his charac- ter and deportment in every respect ; and I may safely affirm I should consider him an acquisition in any institution where a thorough good French mafiter is required. 32 From Dr. M. G. HO WE, Head Master of the Toronto Oramtnar School.— {Toronto, June 16th, 1856.) Mr. E. Coulon has been employed as French Master in the Toronto Grammar Scliool for the last twelve months, and during that time I have had every reason to be satisfied with the interest he has manifested in the discharge of his duties. He has always been zealous, attentive, and painstaking, and I am much pleased with the progress that most of the pupils committed to liis charge have made under his instructions. I believe him to be a superior French scholar, and from my own experience I can pronounce favourably as to his capabilities of imparting instruction, "as well as to his appreciation of order and discipline, and his skill in the management of Doys." I cannot therefore hesitate in recommending him as eminently qualified for the appointment of French master in any institution requiring his services. From Mr. J. FRANK.— (Toronto, June 16th, 1856.) During the period that Mr. E. Coulon has been engaged as French master in my school he has discharged his duties in a manner which has given satisfaction not only to myself, but also, so far as I know, to the parents of my pupils. From G. RIDOUT, E^q.— {Toronto, June 16th, 1856.) Dear Sir, — As you may be an applicant for the vacancy in Upper Canada College, caused by M. De La Haye's retirement, I felt every inclination to offer my evidence of your fitness for the charge, but unfortunately my ignorance of the French language prevents me from being able to tlo you the justice I believe you deserve, and my opinion from having any weight. I know that you command the respect and attention of your scholars, and that your mode of teaching, and your accent, by those supposed to be com- petent judges of the language, are much commended. For more than a year and a half I have thought so too. Fxmn Mrs. CARRUTHERS.— (Toronto, June 16th, 1856.) Having received much satisfaction from the plan in which Mr. E, Coulon has conducted the instruction of my children, I have no hesitation in recommending him as possessing the requisites of a good French master, viz., a sound knowledge of the language, united with care and attention in instruction. 33 From Dr. RYERSON, Chief Snperinteinlent of Education in Upper Canada. — (Toronto, June 19th, 1856.) I have much pleasure in stating that, having known Mr. Coulon for some time, I respect him as a most worthy and intelligent young man. I have heard competent judges speak most favourably of his zeal and ability as a teacher of the French language ; and from the manner in which he taught my daughter at the school of Mrs. FoESTEB, I believe him to be an excellent teacher, well (qualified to be French master in any private or public school. From Mrs. RIDO UT, Bank of Upper Canada. — (Toronto, June 19th, 1856.) My Dear Sir, — It gives me much pleasure to testify as to your abilities as an Instructor in the French language ; during the three years you have been known to my family, we have uniformly found you punctual in your attendance and indefatigable in your endeavours to improve your pupils. I sincerely trust that you may be successful in obtaining the appointment of French Master in the Canada College, a situation which I feel convinced you are eminently qualitied to fill. From Mrs. BALDWlN.—iToronto, June 20th, 1856.) Mrs. Baldwin has much pleasure in bearing testimony to Mr. E. Coulon's abilities as a Teacher, his imtiring zeal and industry in the management of his pupils, together with the thorough appreciation of the genius of his own language, render him, in her estimation, eminently qualified for the duties of his profession, and in thus recommending him, she feels that she is not only .'stating her own opinion but also reiterating that of all who know him. From Dr. McGAUL, President of the Toronto University.— (Toronto, June 25th, 1856.) I herel)y certify, that Mr. E. Coulon has given instruction in French to some members of my family, and that he has discharged his duty as teacher with ability and punctuality. From His Honour the Recorder lur. G. DUOGAN. — (Toronto, June 25th, 1856.) I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. E. Coulon for four years, during which time he has been French Tutor to my two sons, for the? Hrst year residing with me. He is a gentleman whom I can cordially recommend as possessing in an eminent degree, the qualities of a good Teacher. 8 34 He possesses a clear view of the principles, structure and peculi- arities of his native language, the French, with a very distinct pronounciation, with the faculty without being superficial of com- municating with much facility a knowledge of the language to the best advantage of the learner. He is diligent, strict, and persevering in his duties, at the same time taking a most kind and friendly interest in his pupil. I can speak with confidence and with the greatest satisfaction of his amiability of demeanour, and of his being in every sense most exem- plary and richly meriting encouragement and confidence in his profession. From Mrs. T. D. HARRIS.— {Toronto, June 23rd, 1856.) I can with confidence recommend Mr. E. Coulox as a French master, he having taught in my family for three years. From M(ssrs. ROSSIX BROTHERS.— {Totonto, June 2Sra, 1856.) Mr. E. Coulon is known to us to have an excellent method of teaching his native language, and possessing the real Parisian accent. We could strongly recommend him as a very attentive Teacher of the French language. From M^s. ROBERTSON.— {Toronto, June 54th, 1856.) Mr. E. Coulon has been teaching my children French for two years and a half, and during that time he has given entire satisfac- tion. His method of communicating the knowledge of his language is so good that young people improve rapidly without appearing to coni;iuer their lessons irksome. From the Rev. H. J. GRASSETT.— {Toronto, July 27th, 1865.) Mr. E. Coulox has given instruction in French to several mem- bers of my family, and I have reason to believe that he is a gentle- man of superior qualifications as a Teacher of that language, and of unexceptionable moral character. From His Honour Judge HAGARTr.—{Toronto, July 30th, 1858.) Mr. E. Coulon has instructed my sons and several of my friends and relatives in the French language, and I have the strongest reason for believing that he is extremely well qualified for that duty. He possesses the peculiar advantage of understanding the English language far better than most gentleman who undertake to teach French to English people. I wish him every success in his profes- sional career. 35 Frcmi R. J. PEXNEFA THER, Private Secretary to the Governor General of Canada. — (Toronto, Juillet 1856.) Monsieur, — Son Excellence le Gouverneur CJeneral ni'a charge d'accuser reception de votre lettre contenant votre demande de la charge de professeur de fran(,'ais au college de Upper Canada, avec les incluses lettres de recommandation, que j'ai misesdevant EUe, et de vous informer que, d'apres les ordres <^ue j'ai re^ua de Son Excel- lence, je les ai remises au departement du Secretaire provincial. From Dr. DAN. WILSON, LL.D., Professor of History and English Literature in University College. — (Toronto, July 1862.) Mr. Emile Coulon is well known to me as a highly successful teacher of modern languages ; and as such has been specially selected for several successive years as a member of the Board of Examiners of the University of Toronto. I have great satisfaction in bearing testimony to his ability and acquirements. From J. G. BOWES, Mayor.— (Toronto, July 1862.) Whereas the bearer Emile Coulon, formerly of the city of Paris, France, and now of the city of Toronto, being about to visit France, Germany and other places on the Continent of Europe, has applied to me for a certificate of citizenship : I, John George Bowes, Mayor of the city of Toronto, in the Pro- vince aforesaid, do hei-ebv certify that the said Emile Coulox is known to me, that he has been a resident of this city for the past ten years, and that he is a gentleman worthy of due credence and belief. In testimonj' whereof I hereunto place my hand and have caused the seal of the city to be affixed at Toronto, this twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord 1862. From JOHN LANGTON, M.A., Trhi. Coll., Caw.— (Toronto, July 4th, 1862.) Mr. Emile Coulon has been several times selected as a Member of the Board of Examiners in the University of Toronto, while I held the office of Vice-Chancellor of that University, and we have always had reason to be well satisfied with his ability in that respon- sible situation. I have the more satisfaction in giving this testimonial to his merits in the Department which has come under my own immediate notice, as I am aware how highly he is esteemed otherwise by hia numerous pupils in this city. 36 From Dr. RYERSON, D.D., Chief Sitperintenihnt of Education for U. C, and Head of the Department of Public Instruction. — (Toronto, July 15th, 1862.) Sir, — I hereby certify under my hand and seal of otftce that Mr. Emile Coulox, resident of the city of Toronto, is employed as teacher of the French language in the schools of Upper Canada, and that he has held the said appointment for the last four years; also that the said appointment is held under authority of the Govern- ment of the Province and that it requires residence in the city of Toronto and is of indefinite duration. I also certify that the said Mr. E. Coulox has been allowed temporary leave of absence by the Department from the duties of said office, for the purpose of a visit to Europe. From J. COCK BURN, M. A., Principal of U. C. College.— (Tovouto,. July 16th, 1SG2.) Understanding that Mr. Emile Coulon is about to proceed to Europe, and having been requested to state my opinion regarding his qualifications as a French Master, it gives me great pleasure to state that during the three j'ears (1858-61) that I was Rector of the Model Grammar School for Upper Canada, Mr. Coulox conducted the French classes in that Institutiou to my entire satisfaction, and carefully trained the pupils in a sound grammatical knowledge of the French language. I cordially recommend Mr. Coulon to the kind consideration of the heads of the various schools and colleges he may visit in France and elsewhere. Taken from the pamphlet entitled UNIVERSITY QUESTION.— (Toronto, 1862.) The following names of gentlemen who have acted as examiners in admission or rejection of candidates, alike to matriculation, honors and degrees, supply the best guarantee of the practical character of the examinations— the high standard of which is attested by the examination papers: — the Rev, M. Willis, D. D., Principal of Knox's College; Rev. S. S. Nelles, M.A., President of Victoria College ; Rev. A. Lillie, D. D., Theological Professor of the Congregational Institution ; Rev. J. Taylor, M.D., Theological Pro- fessor of the United Presbyterian Divinity Hall ; Rev. G. P. Young, M.A., Professor of Logic an Metaphysics, Knox's College ; Rev. E. J. Senkler, M.A., of Caius College, Cambridge ; Rev. E. Schluter, M.A. ; Rev. W. I'tennett, M.A., Principal of Upper Canada College; Rev. W. Ormiston, B.A., late one of the masters of the Normal. School ; Adam Crooks, LL.B., barrister-at-law ; James Brown, M.A. ; T. J. Robertson, M.A., head master of the Normal School ; Robert Checkley, M.D. ; Thomas Kidout, Esq. ; F. Montivani, JX.D. ; E. Crombie, M.A., barrister-at-law; Michael Barret, B.A., M.D. ♦- 87 President of the Toronto School of Medicine; L. S. Oille, M.A., M.D. ; G. R. \\. Cockburn, M.A., Rector of the Model Grammar School ; William VVedd, M.A., classical master, Upper Canada Col- lege ; H. Haacke, French translator to the Legislative Assembly ; Emile Coulon, French Master, Model Grammar School ; E. Bil- lings, F.G.S., palivontologist to the Provincial Geological Survey. With such gentlemen, selected, as they have been, with an anxious desire to secure able and independent examiners, I feel confident that no Universitj' examinations have ever been conducted with stricter impartiality than those of the University cf Toronto, under the very system so unjustly maligned. From Mr. ANCELIN, Mayor of i?osw?/.— (Saint Mande, 26 Sep- tembre 18G2.) Je, soussignt', Ancelin Adolphe Henri, chevalier de la legion- d'honneur, oliicier de TUniversite, chef du 49e bataillon de la garde nationale de la Seine, ancien directeur d'une Ecole specialc prepara- toire aux Ecoles du gouvernement et au Baccalaureat, ii Saint-Mande, declare que M. Emile Coulon s'est montre constamment eleve laborieux et de conduite reguliere et qu'il a suivi avec succes ses 6tudes classiques. En foi de quoi je lui ai dulivre le present certi- ficat. Fr ^^^^'^V.^'g^ J^^^^t & Co., P^"""^- et^^Lfr^" Sis' work' U^gh col'sisting^f only one Kmg street, East.- 1 his woik,!, ^^.^, ^.j.o thoroughly hundred and ninety-one 16mo. pages wiu gi language. It is masters them a very good knowledge ^^^Itah^s vocabularies, and divided into three parts : the h^'^,t ix.rt cc^^ntams v^^^^ examples for their application freed fi^jm "f i^^^;^/;^'^^^^ for part treats of Syntax ; and the ^^^^^^ l\^f ^^^.^^^^^^^^^ of Lading, arranged especially ^o present mcontrast^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^.^^^ the two languages-the French and *^"£^^^- -^.^j^.^iar,'' and the Horn of each person in verbs, whether regulai or rreg^i ar ^^^.^ " Formations of the Tenses in irregular xerbs '^^^ J°J{^°Y the woik tions not found in similar .v^orks. Al^og^ether the pla.i o^ the .^ is judicious, and the execution good, ^he, aiithor oi ^ now a teacher in the South Cosmopolitan School, in this city.