IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V / o {•/ >■' WJ>.. fc 4?^ e Q- C?., :/ '^ ^ 1.0 I.I IIIM 1113 6 IIIM IM M 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" — ► p> <^ /a ^M 'm e. ^ ej ^^^^ / / om m Photographic Sciences Corporation ■^ iV I o » c 4 "4 ^ RAISE THE FLAG \M> oTIIKIi Patriotic Canadian Songs and Poems. o RAISK IPiE FLAC;. MY L. (1. NELSON. Raise the tlag, our glorious banner, O'er this fair Canadian land, I''rom the stern Ailantic Ocean 'I'o the far Pacific strand. Chorus. Raise the flag with shouts of gladness, "1 ih the banner of the free ! Brightly gleaming, proudly streaming, 'Tis the flag of liberty ! Raise the tlag o'er hill and valley. Let it wave from sea to sea ; {•"lag of Canada and Britain, Flag of right and liberty ! — Chorus. Raise the flag, and with the banner Shouts of triumph let us rai^)e ; Sons of Canada will guard it. And her daughters sing its praise. — Chorus. Raise the flag of the Dominion, That the world may understand, This w'U be our ensign ever In our broad Canadian land. — Chorus. Raise the flag ! who dare assail it, Guarded by the Empire's might ? Raise the flag of our Dominion, - Stand for country, God, and right '. — Chorus. A'. USE THE FLAC. t CANADA TO THE LAUREATE. KV " FIDELIS." " And that true North, whereof we lately heard A strain to shame us ! Keep you to yourselves. So loyal is too costly ! Friends, your love Is but a burden ; loose the bond and go ! Is this the tone of Empire ? " Tennyson's Ode to the Qurcn. We thank thee, " Laureate," for thy kindly words Spoken for us to her to whom we look With loyal love, across the misty sea ; Thy noble words whose generous tone may shame The cold and heartless strain that said " Begone, We want your love no longer ; all our aim Is riches — That your love can not increase." Fain would we tell them that we do not seek To hang dependent, like a helpless brood That, selfish, drag a weary mother down ; For we have British hearts and British blood That leaps up, eager, when the danger calls ! Once, and again, our sons have sprung to arms To fight in Britain's quarrel — not our own — And drive the covetous invader back, Who would have let us, peaceful, keep our own. So we had cast the British name away. Caradian blood has dyed Canadian soil For Britain's honour, that we deemed our own ; Nor do we ask but for the right to keep. Unbroken still, the cherished filial tie That binds us to the distant sea girt isle Our fathers loved, and taught their sons to love. As the dear home of freemen brave and true, And loving honour more than ease or gold I if^ i ■^ *) ^ II '^^ t; r RAISR THE FLAG. THIS FAIR. CANADIAN LAND. »••*' >«w ^N 1 bV H. C. COCKIN. How fair is this land which the might of our fathers Bequeathed to their children to have and to hold ; From lonely Belleisle, where Atlantic foregathers, To Mackenzie that down thro' the ages has roll'd ! Yes, fair is the land, with its great inland waters, Vast links, forg'd of God, in the national chain, That shall teach our brave sons and our virtuous daughters To attune heart and voice to the patriots' strain ; Then patriots say, Shall alien footsteps stand In triumph on this fair Canadian land ? O, Britain, dear Britain, ever glorious nation ! Whose strong arm in peace nigh engirdles the earth : Canadians turn yet, aye, in proud exultation. To the mother of nations that gave to them birth. Oh, where be the hearts that in trait'rous illusion Would barter for pottage a birthright so fair ; On each be the brand of dark shame and confusion, And the stews of sedition his crime-haunted lair. Crod make his hope but as the rope of sand, x\nd one and indivisible this land. Of the people who dwell in the land on our borders We are kinsmen — not lovers— and can never be - kAISE THE FLAG. •f 'I The virgin forests, car[)eted with leaves Of many autumns fallen, crisp and sear, Put on their woodland state ; while overhead Green seas of foliage roared a welcome home To the proud exiles, who for empire fought And kei)t, though losing much, this northern land A refuge and defence for all who love The broader freedom of a commonwealth That wears upon its head a kingly crown. 4 t .L Our great Canadian woods of mighty trees, Proud oaks and pines that grew for centuries, King's gifts upon the exiles were bestowed. Ten thousand homes were planted ; and each one With axe, and fire, and mutual help made war Against the wilderness and smote it down. Into the opened glades, unlit before, Since forests grew and rivers ran, there leaped The sun's bright rays, creative light and heat, Waking to life the buried seeds that slept Since time's beginning in the earths dark womb. « J ? k The tender grass sprang up, no man knew how, The daisies' eyes unclosed, wild strawberries Lay white as hoar frost on the slopes, and sweet The violets perfumed the evening air ; The nodding clover grew up everywhere ; The trailing rasp, the trefoil's yellow cup Sparkled with dew drops, while the humming bees And birds and butterflies, unseen before, Found out the sunny spots and came in throngs. But earth is man's own shadow, say the wise : As wisdom's secrets are twofold, and each Responds to other both in good and ill ; A crescent thought will one day orb to full. And on the earth reflect true light of heaven. -'^^ 16 A',-//.s7'; IHli I' LAC. Hut long and arduous were their labours ere The rugged fields produced enough for all, For thousands came ere hundreds could be fed ; The scanty harvests gleaned to their last ear Sufficed not yet, men hungered for their bread Hefore it grew, yet cheerful bore the hard, Coarse fare and russet garb of pioneers. In these great woods, content to build a home And commonwealth where they could live secure, A life of honour, loyalty and peace * * The world goes rushing by The ancient landmarks of a nobler time. When men bore deep the imprint of the law Of duty, truth and loyalty unstained. Amid the quaking of a continent Torn by the passions of an evil time, They counted neither cost nor danger, spurned Defections, treasons, spoils ; but feared God, Nor shamed of their allegiance to the king. To keep *he empire one in unity And brotherhood of its imperial race, For that they nobly fought and all but won, Where losing was to win a higher f^me In building up our northern land, to be A vast dominion stretched from sea to sea ; A land of labour but of sure reward, A land of corn to feed the world withal, A land of life's best treasures, plenty, peace, Content and freedom, both to speak and do ; A land of men to rule, with sober law, This Christian commonwealth, God's gift ; to keep This part of Britain's ernpire next the heart, Loyal as were our fathers, and as free. *f 9 « » HAISR THJi FLAG, 17 «w-» « .» THP: battle of QUEENSTON HEICiHTS. A Patriotic Foevi \Vritte7i on tJie Atmiversary of that Great Victory. BY WILLIAM THOMAS WHITE. Ho ! ye who are Canadians, and glory in your birth, Who boast your land the fairest of all the lands on earth, To-night go home with cheerful heart and lay all care aside, And set ay low your brightest lam[)s and throw the shutters wide. Heap high with coal the fire, till its merriest sparks you win, And send out all }our messengers to call the neijihbors in. Then when the evening well is spent with feast and mirthful sound, In circle deep about the hearth range girls and boys around. Bring forth the book of heroes' deeds, and to your listening flock. Read reverently of Queenston Heights and the death of Isaac Brock, Oh, there are some amongst us who spurn the patriot's name, Who say our country has no past, no heroes known to fame. They talk of bold Eeonidas who held the pass of blood, And how Hoiatius Codes braved swollen Tiber's Hood. They never tire of dark Cortez who spared nor blood nor tears, Nor yet of Arnold Winkelreid, who broke the Austrian spears. Their glory is of Waterloo, that crimson-memoricd fight, Of tlie " thin red line " of Inkerman and Alma's bloody height. i8 A'A/Sr. I'Hl' FLAG. For Canada their voice is mute, yet history's pages tell That braver blood was never spilt than where her heroes fell Today o'er Qiieenston's lofty heights the autumn sky is drear, From drooping limbs tiie withering leaves hang bloodless, wan and sere. From fertile sward the plough has gone, and from the field the wain, In bursting barns the farmer views his wealth of garnered grain. Those fields are sacred and that sward shall be Canadians* boast. The spot where valor's few hurled back the dark invader's host. The tale shall live while grow the trees, while rippling water runs, Of fame's bright birth to Canada from the life-blood of her sons. You know it well ! The invaders crossed with the first grey dawn of light, And foot by foot their numbers told and gained the stubborn height. The guns are ta'en ! on Dennis' flank the reinforcements pour, While from the battery on the hill the crashing round-shot tore. And backward, surely backward, the patriot heroes move, With death to left and death to right and death on high above. But, hark ! When hope has almost fled, at the hour of sor- est need, Is heard the clatter of iron hoofs and the neigh of a cours- ing steed. i r i i I -4 f V ' 1 I mf^ -4 J?A/S/- THh: FLAG. «9 Now let the martial music breathe its most inspiring notes, As bursts the shout of welcome from the faltering veterans' throats ! What spell so much could nerve them in that losing battle's shock, " Courage, boys ! It is the General ! Onward comrades ! On with Brock ! " Now forward to the battery ! They lend z ready ear ; There's a hero's form to lead them and a hero's voice to cheer. And o'er the level plain they press, and up the sloping hill, 'Mid hiss of shot and volleys' smoke his cry is " Onward ! " still. And now they pass the low ravine, they clamber o'er the wall : The fatal death-shot strikes him ; they see their leader fall. " I'ush on, push on, York volunteers ! " brave words— they were his last. And like the vision of a dream the charging column passed. He heard cheir cry of vengeance as they reached the moun- tain's crest. Then rushed in purpling tide the flood of life-blood from his breast. You've read the rest ; their comrades came to stay their sec- ond flight, Dashed on to meet the foe in blue and hurled them from the height. Then, Canada, was seen thy might I by equal ardour led, Fought Indians like white men, and coloured men like red flO HAISE THE FLAG. One spirit moved, one thought inspired that gallant little band, That foot of no invading foe should e'er pollute their land. A thousand men laid down their arms to force inferior far ; Blush, fickle land of commerce, for thy myrmidons of war. Sleep, heroes ! Rest upon the hill where valor's deed was done, No flower shall ever wither in a crown so nobly won. While Canada can rear her sons, the bravest of the brave, From the tempests of Atlantic to the placid western wave, So surely as shall come the day that tells your deathless fame, Shall future patriots mourn you and festal rites proclaim. And thou, whose sacred dust entombed on yonder summit lies, Peneath that noble monument far-regiching toward the skies, Thy name shall be a holy word, a trumpet-note to all, When bravery's arm is needed and they hear their country's call. And future sires shall take their sons at evening on their knee, And tell the old tale over, and thus shall speak of thee — " His is the noblest name we have in all our bright array ; He taught our youth to falter not tho' death might bar the way; "He showed our might., he led our arms, he conquered, tho' he fell ; He gave up all he had — his life— for the land he loved so well." 1 h I 1* f ^ t_.* vyi' 4 -t- J^AISR THE FLAG. at BROTHERS AWAKE! 1 «Sl"# f f BY AIMEE HUNTINGDON, PICTOU, N. S. Brothers awake ! There are traitors around us, Seeking; their country and ours to betray ; Striving to sever the hnks that have bound us To dear Mother England for many a day. List to their pitiful, cowardly croaking, Bidding us barter our heritage grand ; Bend, like dumb -attle, our necks to the yoking, Yield unto stru >'rs our glorious land. Surely too long we have borne with their scheming ; Now let them learn that forbearance is o'er ! Teach them that Canada's sons are not dreaming ; Brothers awaken ! and slumber no more. Say, shall not we, whom our country has nourished. Fight for her weal 'gainst the treacherous crew ? Shall it be said that foul treason has flourished 'Neath the proud folds of the Red, White and Blue. Never ! With courage undimmed and undaunted. Crush, ere it blossoms, the seed they have sown ; Back in their teeth fling the boasts they have flaunted, I'ause not, nor rest, till the day be our own. Croakers and cravens and patriot-haters, Soon shall their schemes in the dust be laid low ; Then shall thi^ land of ours, freed from the traitors, To her bright destiny joyfully go. -+■ 33 RAISE THE El. AG. DESTINY. BY T. E. MOBERI.Y. Awake ! awake ! old England, Rise from thine island lair ; The svin of empire dawning, Gleams on thy dew-wet hair. Outstretch thy limbs majestic ! Peal out thy thunderous roar ! Thy lion brood will greet thee From every sea and shore. Temptations now beset them, ' Foes from behind, before ; Her children look to England, They wait the lion"§ roar — I The royal invitation To the lion brood afar. To share the royal burden, Be it in peace or war. To share the royal honour, Bright guerdon of the day ! When England and her offspring Shall join in equal sway. Awake ! awake ! old England Rise from thine island lair. Thy lion brood are longing Thy destiny to share. 41 I A'.l/S/- 7Hh I- 1. AC, 23 1^ ( '^.^ '^' 4p # •CJ 1 f MV OWN CANADIAN HOME. i!V K. c. Nr:r,soN. Thou(;h other skies may be as bright, And other lands as fair ; Though charms of other climes invite My wandering footsteps there, \'et tnere is one, the peer of all Beneath bright heaven's dome ; Of thee I sing, () ha[)py land. My own Canadian home ! Thy lakes and rivers, as "the voice Of many waters," raise To Him who planned their vast extent, A symphony of praise. Thy mountain peaks o'erlook the clouds They })ierce the azure skies ; They hid thy sons be strong and true- To great achievements rise. A noble heritage is thine, So grand, and fair, and free ; A fertile land, where he who toils Shall well rewarded be. And he who joys in nature's charms, Exulting, here may view — Scenes of enchantment — strangely fair, Sublime in form and hue. Shall not the race that tread thy plains Spurn all that would enslave ? Or they who battle with thy tides, Shall not that race be brave ? Shall not Niagara's mighty voice Inspire to actions high ? "I'were easy such a land to love, (^r for her glory die. 24 A'.US/-: THE FLAii. And doubt not should a foeman's hand Be armed to strike at thee, Thy trumpet call throughout the land Need scarce re|)eated he 1 As bravely as on (Jueenston's Heights, Or as in J.undy's Lane, I'hy sons will battle for thy rights, And freedom's cause maintain. Did kindly heaven afford to me The choice where I would dwell, Fair Canada ! that choice should be, The land I love so well. I love thy hills and valleys wide, Thy waters' flash and foam ; May God in love o'er thee preside, My own Canadian home ! ■«..» IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM A. FOSTER. HY CHARLES MAIR. And he is gone who led the few Forecasters of a nation fair : That gentle spirit strong and true. As ever breathed Canadian air ! Forever fled ! the kindly face, The eager look, the lambent eye. Still haunted by a boyish grace — Can these from recollection ily ? The counsel sound, the judgment clear, The mild thought brooding over all ; The ready smile, the ready tear — Can these from recollection fall ? '^, » Mv V •ts* *^^.» R^ilSf. Tllf: FLAG. Ah ! well do I remember still The sLiIlry day, whose sun had set : The hostel near the tower-crowned hill, The parlour dim where first we met ; The flush of joy, when o'er the wine, On that pale eve of loftier tmies, He put his friendly hand in mine. ' And praised my poor Canadian rhymes And sung the old Canadian son^^s, And played the old Canadian 'airs, Then turned his smile on fancied wrongs And laughed away a youth's desj^airs^ O-'i And said : " Throw sickly thoughts aside- l.ets build on native fields our fame : Nor seek to blend our patriot pride With alien greed or alien shame ! "Nor trust the falterers who despond— The doubting spirits which divine ^^? ,^'''^.'^^^ future save beyond Their long, imaginary line ! " But mark, by fate's strong finger traced, Our country's rise ; see time untold, In our own land a nation based On manly worth, not lust of gold. " Its bourne, the home of generous life, Of ample freedom, slowly won, Of modest maid and faithful wife, Of simple love "twixt sire and son. '* Nor lessened would the duty be To rally, then, around the throne, *Ay. 26 R.'USF THE FI.AG. A filial nation, strong and free- - (Ireat Britain's ciiild to manhood grown ! " But lift the curtain which deceives, The veil that intercepts the sight, The drapery dependence weaves To screen us from the nobler light. " l"'irst feel throughout the throbbing land A nation's pulse, a nation's pride, The independent life — then stand Erect, unbound, at Britain's side !" And many a year has fled, and now The tongue which voiced the thought is stilled ; The veil yet hangs o'er many a brow, The glorious dream is unfulfilled. Yet ocean unto ocean cries ! Vox us their mighty tides go forth. We front the sun — behind us lies The mystery of the uncon(iuered North • And ardent Aspiration peers Beyond the clouds, beyond the night. Beyond the faltering, paltering years. And there beholds the Breaking Light. For though the thoughtful mind has passed From mortal ken, the generous hand — The seed they sowed has sprung at last, And grows and blossoms through the land. And time will realize the dream, The light yet spread o er land and wave ; And Honour, in that hour supreme. Will hang his wreath o'er Foster's grave. } ( J' i I •kir «d ,t i^'i 'th A'.-l/S/-: THE FLAG. 27 A BALLAD FOR BRAVE WOMKN. i HY CHARLES MAIR. A STORY worth telling, our annals afford, 'Tis the wonderful journey of ]>aura Secord ! Her poor crippled spouse hobbled home With the news That Bcerstler was nigh ! " Not a minute to lose, Not an instant," said Laura, " for stoppage or pause — I must hurry and warn our brave troops at Decaws." " What ! you !" said her husband " to famish and tire 1 " " Yes, me ! " said brave Laura, her bosom on fire. " And how will you pass the gruff sentry ? "" said he, " Who is posted so near us ? "' *► '■-_:» < i i "Just wait till you see ; The foe is approaching, and means to surprise Our troops, as you tell me. Oh, husband, there flies No dove with a message so needful as this — I'll take It, I'll bear it, good bye, with a kiss." Then a biscuit she ate, tucked her skirts well about, And a bucket she slung on each arm, and went out 'Twas the bright blush of dawn, when the stars melt from sight, Dissolved by its breath like a dream of the night ; VVHien heaven seems opening on man and his pain, Ere the rude day strengthens, and shuts it again. But Laura had eyes for her duty alone — She marked not the glow and the gloom that were thrown By the nurslings of morn, by the cloud-lands at rest, By the spells of the East, and the weirds of tlie West. •^ 28 RAIt^E TUP. FLA(r. behind was the foe, full of craft and of guile ; lieforc her, a loni,^ day of travel and toil. *' No time this for gazing," said Laura, as near To the sentry she drew. " Halt ! you cannot pass here." " I cannot pass here ! Why, sirrah, you drowse, Are \ou blind ? Don't you see I am off to my cows." " Well, well you can go." So she wended her way To the pasture's lone side, where the farthest cow lay, (lot her up, caught a teat, and with pail at her knees, Made her budge, inch by inch, till she drew by degrees To the edge of the forest. " I've hoaxed, on my word, ]')Oth you and the sentry," said Laura Secord. I t With a lingering look at her home, then away She sped through the wild wood — a wilderness gray — Nature's privacy, haunt of a virgin sublime And the mother who bore her, as ancient as Time ; Where the linden had space for its fans and its flowers. The balsam its tents, and the cedar its bowers ; Where the lord of the forest, the oak, had its realm. The ash it., iomain, and its kingdom the elm ; ^Vhere the pine bowed its antlers in tempests, and gave To the ocean of leaves the wild dash of the wave. And the mystical hemlock — The forest's high-priest — Hung its weird, raking, top-gallant branch to the east. And denser and deeper the solitude grew, The underwood thickened, and drenched her with dew ; She tripped over moss-covered logs, fell, arose, Sne:-. ind stumbled again by the hour, till her clothes VV .. 'r.' by the branches and thorns, and her feet Jer and wayworn and blistered with heat. - -/er on, through the forest she passed, Hci .ic ;\ .n her task, but each pulse beating fast, • < - « m^mm A'. -US/' I HI' l/.AC. 29 %^ For shadowy forms seemed to flit from the glades And beckon her into their Hmitless shades : And mystical sounds — in the forest alone, Ah ! who has not heard them ? — the voices, the moan, Or the sigh of mute nature, which sinks on the ear, And fills us with sadness or thrills us with fear? And who, Icne and lost, in the wilderness deep, Has not felt the strange fancies, the tremors which creep, And assemble within, till the heart 'gins to fail, The courage to flinch, and the cheeks to grow pale, 'Midst the shadows which mantle the spirit that broods In the sombre, the deep haunted heart of the woods ? She stopped — it was noonday. The wilds she espied Seemed solitudes numberless. " Help me ! " she cried ; Her piteous lips parched with thirst, and her eyes Strained with gazing. The sun in his intinite skies Looked down on no creature more hapless than she, For woman is woman where'er she may be. For a moment she faltered, then came to her side The heroine's spirit -the Angel of Pride. One moment she faltered. Beware ! What is this ? The coil of the serpent ! the rattlesnake's hiss ! One moment, then onward. What sounds far and near ? The howl of the wolf, yet she turned not in fear Nor bent from her course, till her eye caught a gleam From the woods of a meadow through which flowed a stream, Pure and sweet with the savour of leaf and of flower. By the night dew distilled, and the soft forest shower ; Pure and cold as its spring in the rock crystalline, Whence it gurgled and gushed 'twixt the roots of the pine. And blessed above bliss is the pleasure of thirst. Where there's water to quench it ; for pleasure is nursed In the cradle of pain, and twin marvels are they Whose inter-dependence is born with our clay. Yes, blessed is water, and blessed is thirst, 1 3° RAISE THE FLAG. \ \ Where there's water to quench it ; hut this is the worst Of this life, that we reck not the blessings ( lod sends, Till denied them. But Laura, who felt she had friends In heaven as well as on earth, knew to thank The giver of all things, and gratefully drank. Once more on the [)athway, through swamp and through mire, Through covert and thicket, through bramble and brier. She toiled to the highway, then over the hill. And down the deep valley, and past the new mill. And through the next woods, till, at sunset, she came To the first British picket and murmured her name ; Thence, guarded by Indians, footsore and pale She was led to Fitzgibbon, and told him her tale. t- \ ': \ \ Vox a moment her reason forsook her ; she raved, She laughed, and she cried — " They are saved, they are saved ! " Then her senses returned, and with thanks loud and deep Sounding sweetly around her she sank into sleep. And Boirstler came up, but his movements were known, His force was surrounded, his scheme was o'erthrown By a woman's devotion — on stone be't engraved — The foeman was beaten and Burlington saved. Ah ! faithful to death were our women of yore ! Have they fled with the past to be heard of no more ? No, no ! Though this laurelled one sleeps in the grave, We have maidens as true, we have matrons as brave ; And should Canada ever be forced to the test — To spend for our country the blood of her best ! When her sons lift the linstock and brandish the sword, Her daughters will think of brave Laura Secord ! 1 i, i R.IISK THE FLAG. 31 High THE UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS. BV THE RKV. I.E ROY HOOKER In the brave old Revolution days, So by our sires 'tis told, King's-men and Rebels, all ablaze With wrath and wrong, Strove hard and long : And, fearsome to behold. O'er town and wilderness afar. O'er (luaking land and sea and air. All dark and stern the cloud of war In bursting thunder rolled. are :ieep Men of one blood — of British blood, Rushed to the mortal strife ; Men brothers born, In hate and scorn Shed each the other's life. Which had the right and which the wrong It boots not now to say ; But when at last The war cloud passed, Corn wal lis sailed away ; He sailed away, and left the field To those who knew right well to wield The powers of war, but not to yield, Though l>ritons fought the day. Cornwallis sailed away, but left Full many a loyal man, Who wore the red, And fought and bled Till Royal George's banner fled Not to return again. 1 ! u What did they then, those loyal men, When r)ritain's cause was lost ? I )id they consent, And dwell content Where Crown, and Law and Parliament Were trampled in the dust ? Dear were the homes where they were born ; Where slept their honored dead ; And rich and wide ( )n every side Their fruitful acres spread ; But dearer to their faithful hearts Than home, or gold, or lands, Were J Britain's laws, and P^ritain's crown, And Ikitain s flag of long renown, And grip of J British hands. I They would not spurn the glorious old, To grasp the gaudy new ; Of yesterday's rebellion born, They held the upstart power in scorn- To Ihitain they stood true, With high resolve they loo!RocK reading a despatch from Montreal. Broc:k, Prudent and politic Sir George Prevost ! Hull's threatened ravage of our western coast, Hath more breviloquence than your despatch. Storms are not stilled by reasoning with air, Nor fires cjuenched by a syrup of sweet words. So to the wars, Di|)lomacy, lor now Our trust is in our arms and arguments Delivered only from the cannon's mouth 1 Orderly, Brock. Enter an Orderly. Your Exc'llency ^ [liifigs. Bid Colonel Proctor come ! [Exit Orderly. 36 A' //.ST? THE FLAG. •t: Now might tlie head of gray Experience Shake o'er the problems that surround us here. J am no stranger to tiie brunt of war, But all the odds so lean against our side That valor's selt might tremble for the issue. Could England stretch its full, assisting hand Then might I smile though velvet-footeJ tune Struck all his claws at once into our flesh ; But England, noble England, fights for life, Couching the knightly lance for liberty 'Gainst a new dragon that affrights the world. And, now, how many noisome elements W^ould plant their greed athwart this country's good ! How many demagogues bewray its cause ! How many aliens urge it to surrender ! Our present good must match their present ill. And, on our frontiers, boldest deeds in war. Dismay the foe, and strip the loins of faction. Enter Colonel Proctor. Time waits not for conveniency ; I trust Your preparations have no further needs. Proctor. All is in readiness, and I can leave For Amherstburgh at once. Brock. Then tarry not, For time is precious to us now as powder. Vou understand my wishes and commands ? Proctor. I know them and shall match them obedience. Br • K. Rest not within the limit of instructions If you can better them, for they should bind The feeble only ; able men enlarge And shape them to their needs. Much must be done That lies in your discretion. At Detroit Hull vaunts his strength, and meditates invasion, And loyalty, unarmed, defenceless,, bare, May let this boaster light upon our shores Without one manly motion of resistance. witH A'AISE ! Hh. FI.AC. 37 icre. e. nd me e, Id. try's good I till. ;ion. R. Lti leave lOt, is? match them with nstructions ind nust be done nvasion, s I So whilst I open Parliament at York, Close it again, and knit our volunteers, Be yours the task to head invasion off. Act boldly, but discreetly, and so draw Our interest to the balance, that affairs May hang in something like an even scale, Till I can join you with a fitting force, And batter this old Hull until he sinks. So fare-you-well —success attend your mission ! Proctor. Farewell, sir I I shall do my best in this. And put my judgment to a prudent use In furtherance of all. \^Exit Proctor. Brock. Prudent he will be — 'tis a vice in him. For in the qualities of every mind There's one o'ergrows, and prudence in this man 'I'ops all the rest. 'Twill ?uit our present needs. But, boldness, go with me ! for, if I know My nature well, I shall do something soon Whose consequence will make the nation cheer, Or hiss me to my grave. Re-enter Orderly. Orderly. Your Exc'llency, Some settlers wait without. l^ROCK. Whence do they come? Enter Colonel Macdonell. Orderln . I'Yom the raw clearings up Fake Erie, Sir. P>ROCK. Go bring them here at once. {Exit Ori)i:ri,\ .) The very men AVho meanly shirk their service to the crown ! A breach of duty to be remedied, For disaffection like an ulcer spreads Until the caustic ointment of the law, Sternly ai)|)lied, eats up and stays corruption, {Enter Deput.^tion of Yankee SethT'.rs. ) Ciood morrow, worthy friends ; I trust you bear Clood hopes in loyal hearts for Canada. 3S RAIS/i THE FLAi;. ' i I ST Settler. That kind o' crop's a failure in our county. Gen'ral, we came to talk about this war With the United States. It ain't quite fair To call out settlers from the other side. Brock. From it yet on it too ! Why came you thence ? Is land so scarce in the United States ? Are there no empty townships, wilds or wastes In all their borders but you must encroach On ours ? And, being here, how dare you make Vour dwelling-places harbours of sedition And furrow British soil with alien ploughs To feed our enemies ? There is not scope, Not room enouirh in all this wilderness For men so base. 2ND Settler. Why, Cieneral, we thought You wanted settlers here. Brock. Settlers indeeJ ! But with the soldier's courage to defend The land of their adoption. This attack On Canada is foul and unprovoked ; The hearts are vile, the hands are traitorous That will not help to hurl invasion back. Beware the lariat of the law ! 'Tis thrown With aim so true in Canada it brings Sedition to the ground at every cast. I.ST Setiler, Well, General, we're not your British sort, But if we were we know that Canada Is naught compared with the United States We have no faith in her, but much in them. Brock. Vou have no faith ! Then take a creed from me ! For I believe in Britain's Fmpire, and In Canada, its true and loyal son Who yet shall rise to greatness, and shall stand At England's shoulder helping her to guard True liberty throughout a faithless world. Here is a creed for arsenals and camps, For hearts and lieads that seek their country's good ; So, go at once, and meditate on it ! \ I I KAISE rilE I- LAG. 39 If county. lence ? ideeJ ! -:^ m tish sort. rom me ! M I have no time to parley with you now — But think on this as well ! that traitors, spies, And aliens who refuse to take up arms, Forfeit their holdings, and must leave this land, Or dangle nearer heaven than they wish. So to your homes, and ponder your condition. yExeunt Settlers niefuliy. This foreign element will hamper us. Its alien spirit ever longs for change, And union with the States. Macdoneli.. O fear it not, Nor magnify the girth of noisy men 1 Their name is faction, and their numl)ers few. While everywhere encompassing them stands The silent element that doth not change ; That points with steady finger to the Crown — True as the needle to the viewless pole, And stable as its star ! Brock. I know it well, And trust to it alone for earnestness, Accordant counsels, loyalty and faith. But give me these — and let the Yankees come ! With our poor handful of inhabitants, We can defend our forest wilderness, And spurn the bold invader from our shores. Re enter Orderly. Orderly. Your boat is ready, sir ! Brock. I shall forthwith to York. [^Exeunf. SCENE SECOND.— York, the Capital of Upper Canada. The Space in front of old Government Hou.se. Enter tivo U. E. Eoyalists, separately. 1ST U. E. Loyallst. Well met, my friend! A stirrer like myself. Man it at once- I 1 1 ! \ ; 11 1 :i 1 1 ( I 40 I^A/SE THE FLAG, Yes^ affairs make me so. Such That from the Throne ? Ay, that ! You need not ask^ since 'tis on I affirm 2ND U. E. Loyalist. stirring times Since T^rock returned and opened Parhanient ! Read you his speech ? 1ST U. E. Loyalist. 2ND LI. E. Loyalist, 1ST U. E. Loyalist. every tongue, Unstaled by repetition. Words never showered upon more fruitful soil To nourish valor's growth. 2ND U. E. Loyalist. That final phrase — Oh it struck home : a sentence to be framed And hung in every honorable heart For daily meditation, '' IVe are engaged t?i an aivful and eventful contest. By unanimity and dispatch in our councils, and Uy vigour hi our operations, ive may teach the enemy this lesson, that a country defended by free men, enthusiastically devoted to the cause of their king and constitution, can never be conquered.'''' 1ST U. E. Loyalist. That reaches far; a text to fortify Imperial doctrine and Canadian rights. Sedition skulks, and feels its blood a cold^ Since first it fell upon the public ear. 2ND U. E. Loyalist. There is a magic in this soldier's tongue. O language is a common instrument ; But when a master touches it — what sounds ! 1ST U. E. LoYALLST. What sounds indeed ! l^ut Brock can use his sword Still better than his tongue. Our state affairs, Conned and digested by his eager mind Draw into form, and even now his voice Cries, Forward ! To the front ! 2nd U. E. Loyalist. Look— here he comes ! xsT U. E. Loyalist. There's matter in the wind; let's draw a-near. I RAISE THE FLAG 41 o. Such , that ! , ' :e tis on 'est. By ir in our % country cause of to fortify soldier's t Brock i; let's » Enter General Brock, accompanied by Macdonell, NiCHOL, Robinson and other Canadian Officers and friends conversing. Brock 'Tis true our Province faces heavy odds ; Of regulars but fifteen hundred men To guard a frontier of a thousand miles ; Of volunteers what aidance we can draw From seventy thousand widely scattered souls. A meagre showing 'gainst the enemy's If numbers be the test. But odds lie not In numbers only, but in spirit too — Witness the might of England's little isle ! And what made P^ngland great will keep her so — The free soul and the valour of her sons ; And what exalts her will sustain you now If you contain her courage and her faith. So not the odds so much are to be feared As private disaffection, treachery — Those openers of the door to enemies— And the poor crouching spirit that gives way Ere it is forced to yield. RoHiNsoN. No fear of that ! Brock. I trust there is not ; yet I speak of it As wliat is to be feared more than the odds. For like to forests are communities — Fair at a distance, entering you find The rubbish and the underbrush of states, 'Tis ever the mean soul that counts the odds, And, where you find this spirit, pluck it up — Tis full of mischief Macdonell. It is almost dead. England's vast war, our weakness, and the eagle Whetting his beak at Sandwich, vvith one claw Already in our side, put thought to steep In cold conjecture for a time, and gave A text to alien tongues. But, since you ca?ne, Depression turns to smiling, and men see 42 NA/SE THE FLAG, \ I I ' Some will go That dangers well opposed may be subdued Which shunned would overwhelm us. Brock. Hold to this ! For since the storm has struck us we must face it. What is our present count of volunteers ? NicHOL. More than you called for have assembled, Sir — The flower of York and Lincoln. Brock. To guard our frontier at Niagara. Which must be strengthened even at the cost Of York itself. The rest to the Detroit, Where, with Tecumseh's force, our regulars, And Kent and Essex loyal volunteers, We'll give this Hull a taste of steel so cold His teeth wi'l r : .ter at it, and his scheme Of easy conquest vanish into air. (Enter a C'jmp. '^rvt, ..Iilitia with t/ieir Officers, unarm- ed. They sa/utc, march across the stage, and make their exit. ) What men are those ? Their faces are familiar. Robinson. Some farmers whom you furloughed at Fort (jeorge, To tend their fields, which still they leave half-reaped To meet invasion. Brock. I remember it ! The jarring needs of harvest-time and war, 'Twixt whose necessities grave hazards lay. Robinson. They only thought to save their c bread, And then return to battle with light hearts. For, though tneir hard necessities o'erpoised Their duty for the moment, these are men Who draw their pith from loyal roots, their sires, Dug up by revolution, and cast out To hovel in the bitter wilderness. And wring, with many a tussle, from the wolf Those very fields which cry for harvesters. hildren's r h'A/S/-: THh: FfAG. 43 It. nbled, Sir- iie will go CRS, ufiarm- make their ed at Fort )ed Inldren's T l^ROCK. O, I observed them closely at Fort George — Red-hot for action in their summer sleeves, And others drilling in their naked feet — Our poor equipment (which disgraced us there) Too scanty to go round. See they get arms, An amp]e outfit and good quarters, loo. NicHOL. They shall be well provided for in all. Enter Colonels Baby"*^ and Elliott. Brock. Oood morning both : what news from home, Baby? Baby. None, none your Exc'llency — whereat we fear this Hull is in our rear at Amherstburg. Brock. Not yet ; what I unsealed last night reports Tecumseh to have foiled the en'^my In two encounters at the Canard bridge. A noble fellow as I hear, humane. Lofty and bold, and rooted in our cause. Baby. I know him well ; a chief of matchless force. If Mackinaw should fall— that triple key To inland seas and teeming wilderness — The bravest in the west will flock to him. Brock. 'Twere well he had an inkling of affairs. My letters say he chafes at my delay. Not mine, but thine, thou dull and fatuous House — Which, in a period that whips delay. When men should spur themselves and flash in action, Let'st idly leak the unpurchasable hours From our scant measure of most precious time ! Bai5Y. 'Tis true, Vour Exc'llency, some cankered minds Have been a daily hindrance in our House. No measure so essential, bill so fair But they would foul it by some cunning clause, Wrenching the needed statute from its aim By sly injection of their false opinion. But this you cannot charge to us whose hearts Are faithful to our trust ; nor yet delay ; * Pronounced Ba\v-b(5e. 17 { t I " 1 t| t ;if 44 K'AISE THE FLAG. For, Exc'llency, you hurry on so fast That other men wheeze after, out of breath, And haste itself, disparaged, lags behind. Brock. Friends, pardon me, you stand not in reproof. But haste, the evil of the age in peace, Is war's auxiliary, confederate With time himself in urgent great affairs. So must we match it with the flying hours ! I shall prorogue this tardy Parliament, And promptly head our torces for Detroit. Meanvvhile, I wish you, in advance of us, To speed unto your homes. Spread everywhere Throughout the West, broad tidings of our coming. Which, by the counter currents of reaction, Will tell against our foes and for our friends. As for the rest, such loyal men as you Need not our counsel ; so, good journey both ! Bahv. We. shall not spare our transport or ourselves. Enter a travel-stained Messenger. Elliott. Good-bye. Baby. Tarry a moment, Elliott I Here comes a messenger — let's have his news. Messenger. It is his Excellency whom I seek. I come, sir, with despatches from the west. Brock. Tidings I trust to strengthen all our hopes. MessengF':k. News of grave interest, this not the worst. [Handing a letter to General IJrock. Brock. No, by my soul, for Mackinaw is ours ! That vaunted fort, whose gallant capture frees Our red allies. This is important news ! What of Detroit? Messenger. Things vary little there Hull's soldiers scour our helpless settlements, Our aliens join them, but the loyal mass — Sullen, yet overawed, longs for relief. Brock. I hope to better this anon. You, sirs, \To his aides. tit0. I (. I |i RAfSR THE FLAG. 45 in reproof. fling. irselves. it, Elliott ! hopes. )t the worst. r> Hrock. ^tle there. I ^o his aides. Come with me ; here is matter to dispatch At once to Montreal. Farewell, my friends. [To Baby and Elliott. B.Ain. We feel now what will follow thiS;, farewell ! [Exeunt Baby, Elliott aiid Messenger. Brock. Now, gentlemen, prepare against our needs, That no neglect may check us at the start, Or mar our swift advance. And, for our cause, As we believe it just in sight of God^ So should it triumph in the sight of man, Whose generous temper, at the first, assigns Right to the weaker side, yet coldly draws Damning conclusions from its failure. Now Betake you to your tasks with double zeal ; And, meanwhile, let our joyful tidings spread ! \Exeuut. SCENE THIRD.— The Same. Enter two Old Men of York, severally. 1ST Old Man. Good morrow, friend ! a fair and fitting time To take our airing, and to say farewell. 'Tis here, I think, we bid our friends God-speed, A waftage, peradventure, to their graves. 2ND Old Man. 'Tis a good cause they die for. if they fall. By this grey pate, if I were young again, I would no better journey. Young again ! This hubbub sets old pulses on the bound As I were in my teens. Enter a Citizen. What news afcot ? Citizen. Why everyone's afoot and coming here. York's citizens are turned to warriors \ The learned professions go a-soldiering, 4b RAISE I'HE FI.AG, I ',1 1 \ ' ( ! I' And gentle heaits beat high for Canada ! I'or, as you pass, on every hand you sec, Through the neglected openings of each house — Through doorvva}s, windows — our Canadian maids Strained by tluir parting lovers to their breasts ; And loyal matrons busy round their lords, Buckling their arms on, or, with tearful eyes, Kissing them to the war ! 1ST Old Man. The volunteers Will pass this way ? Citizen. Ves. to the beach, and there Embark for Ikirlington, whence they will march To Long Point, taking open boats again, To plough the shallow lyric's treacherous flood. Such leaky craft as farmers market with : Rare bottoms, one sou-wester-driven wave Would heave against Lake Erie's wall of shore. And dash to fragments. 'Tis an awful hazard — A danger which in apprehension lies, Yet palpable unto the spirit's touch, As earth to finger. 1ST Old Man. Let us hope a calm May lull this fretful and ill-tempered lake Whilst they ascend. \Military music is heard. Citizen. Hark ! here our soldiers come. Enter (jENERAL Brock, with his aides^ Macdonell and Glegc, Nk'HOL, and other officers, foUowed by the Vol- unteers in coni/yanies, A concourse of citizens. Macdonell. Our fellows show the mark of training, sir. And many, well in hand, yet full of fire. Are burning for distinction. Brock. This is good : Love of distinction is the fruitful soil From which brave actions spring ; and. superposed On love of country, these strike deeper root. iii h'A/sR rni' PI AC. 47 e — I la ids ^; ere fch ^ IS heard. ers come. )ONELL and V the Vol- zens. raining, sir, And grow to greater greatness, Cry a halt — A word here —then away ! \FiourisJi. The Volunteers halt, for in /ine, and order arms. \q men of Canada ! Subjects with me of that Ini])erial Power Whose Hberties are marcliing round the earth : 1 need not urge you now to follow me, Though what befalls will try yo'ir stubborn faiih In the fierce fire and crucible of war. I need not urge you, who have heard the voice Of loyalty, and answered to its call. Who has not read the insults of the foe — The manifesto of his purposed crimes ? That foe, whose poison-plant, false liberty, Runs o'er his body politic and kills Whilst seeming to adorn it, fronts us now ! Threats our poor Province to annihilate, And should he find the red men by our side — Poor injured souls, who but defend their own — Calls black Extermination from its hell. To stalk abroad, and stench your land with slaughter. These are our weighty arguments for war, Wherein armed Justice will enclasp its sword, And sheath it in its bitter adversary ; AVherein we'll turn our bayonet-points to pens. And write in blood ; — Bere lies the poor invader ; Or be ourselves struck down by hailing death : Made stepping stones for foes to walk upon — The lifeless gangways to our country's ruin. For now we look not with the eye of fear ; A'e reck not if this strange mechanic frame — Stop in an instant in the shock of war. Our death may build into our country's life. And failing this, 'twere better still to die Than live the breathing spoils of infamy. Then forward for our cause and Canada 1 48 ^'--f/s/^ THr. ,.,,ir,. Forward Tor Britain's |.:,m,ire , , Of i'Veedom's raisin.r w n^ ^^'.^^''^^^ ''^'"^^h If, ''^■^■is to the wor d> i'l'^'^^^^^-' ^\^-n Tl>e task our country setl'n, ' 't >' ''"^' ' U rmg peace from uar o' n '"^ P^'^^'"'" - J ^^^-^r, or perKsl, m ,ts stornii .EAcUnnenf and feave-fakim 7'/, . /^reak info cn/,..>' ^ ^'^ -^'o^nnh ^••'" ■• arm ! tlie i, n ' ' ''"'^^/^ '^^he sea ! And tainting tlfe ,> t ' V'^'"^ '^i"" ^"oas s And rush like tin., to rent on ?' '^'"' '^"■"'' On the foes of cn,r S' ^^"^ '"^^^^ '-K' Ihe storn, ^' ■•'^•-' flag that vv.s 1 S ■ n n' '";"'"">' •''^io'vO ^ whoso was the J' 7"'^^"^^°"^^' A'H. whose ^vas the evl u""^ ^^''l"'^^ ^as the soil = A (J eft ns rich heirs of t e n ' "''^'•^^ '•' "^^"■^'. Oil, dear to our hearts is hi, ^''-edon, and fame Our F.thers bequeat 'J ' ^''^' '^"^' ^'^^' 'and Our hearts tJiev o,.,, ^ "^^ *^ '"own ! f om dime untoi- °e'\TA""'- '^^"'J-^ they are free And chaos uil] con.e to iheSrT 'l'' ""'« '^^ •' -"^ ror Canada ^gi^Clulc/^^iS^^L;^"^ "S. SCENE FOURTH -f ^'^"'''''' '''"''' '''^■^''''''-" ^'"-'•-. • -TORT Detroit —Tu,. ,* Camp. ^ ''^ American ^^^/'^r General Hui r r^r ,, C.SS Co,„e, Gene a'' ^^^ ■ ""''' "'" "'"^ Officers. VVherein ',is proudly said " w^ ^"^ y°"' tVAJ- i t^ A'.-^ASV'.' rill. I- LAG. 49 n The voiuntecrs t sing : *-f cl ! own I I' »IIISIC American ^ther Officen. sons ! m But vanguard of a mi'^htier sti/l to come f " And men have been attracted to our cause \Vho now will curse us for this breach ot faith. (Consider, sir, again ! Hull. I am not bound To tack my reasons to my orders ; this Is my full warrant and authority — [Pointing to his Instructions. Vet, I have ample grounds for what I do. Cass. What are they, then ? Hull. First, that this proclamation Meets not with due response, wins to our side The thief and refugee, not honest men. These plainly rally round their government. 1ST Officer. Why, yes ; there's something lacking in this people, If we must conquer them to set them free. Hull. Ay, and our large force must be larger still. If we would change these Provinces to States. Then, Colonel Proctor's intercepted letter — Bidding the captor of Fort Mackinaw Send but five thousand warriors from the West, Which, be it artifice or not, yet points To great and serious danger. Add to this Brock's rumoured coming with his Volunteers, All burning to avenge their fathers' wrongs, And our great foe, Tecumseh, fired o'er his ; These are the reasons ; grave enough, 1 think, \Vhich urge me to withdraw from Canada, And wait for further force ; so go, at once, And help our soldiers to recross the river. Cass. But I see Hull. No " huts" ! You have my orders. Cass. No solid reason here, naught but a group Of flimsy apprehensions Hull. Go at once 1 Who kicks at judgment, lacks it. )0 so : ' I Cass. Hull. J^A/SE THE FLAG. I- No more ! I want not wrangling but obedience here. \_ILxt'Uiif Ca^s aud otJier ojjkers inceni^ed. Would I had ne'er accepted this command I Old men are out of favour with the time, And youthful folly scoffs at hoaty age There's not a man who executes my orders With a becoming grace : not one but sulks. And puffs his disapproval with a frown. And what :un I ? A man whom Washington Nodded a[)pro\al of, and wrote it too I Vet heie, m judgment and discretion both, Ripe to the dropi)ing, scorned and ridiculed. Oh, Jefferson, what mischief have you wrought — Confounding Nature's order, setting foc^ls To prank themselves, and sit in wisdom's seat By right divine, out-Heroding a King's I But I shall keep straight on — pursue my course, Responsible and with authority, Though boasters gird at me, and braggarts frown I Exit. SCENE FIFTH. — Sandwich, on the Detroii'. — A Room in 'yuk Baby Mansion. Efiter General Brock, Colonki s Proctor, CtLegg, Bahv, Macdonell, Nichol, Elliott a^id other Officers. Bahv. Welcome ! thrice ^ 'come ! Brave Brock, to Sandwich a this loyal roof ! *" Thank God, your oars, tho-^e weary levers bent In many a wave, have been unshii)ped at last ; And, now, methinks those lads who stemmed the flood Would boldly face the fire. Brock. I never led Men of more cheerful and courageous heart, wm J^AISE THE FLA a. 51 li'ed. j Exit. oil'.— A Glegg, d other ood ^er led But for whose pluck, foul weather and short seas, Twere truth to say, had made an end of us. Another trial will, I think, approve The manly strain this Canada hath bred. I'ROCTOR. "I'is piiy that must be denied them now. Since all our enemies have left our shores. Brock. No, by my soul, it shall not be denied ! Our foe's withdrawal hath a magnet's power And pulls my spirit clean into his fort. But 1 have asked you to confer on this. What keeps Tecumseh ? Elliott. "Tis his friend, I.efroy, Who now rejoins him, after bootless (juest Of lena, Tecumseh's niece. Brock. Lefroy ! I had a gentle playmate of that name In (Guernsey, long ago. Baby. It may be lie. I know him, and, discoursing our affairs, Have heard him spea ; of you but in a strain Peculiar to the past. Brock. He had in youth All goods belonging to the human heart, But fell away to Revolution's side — Impulsive ever, and o'er prompt to see In kings but tyrants, and in laws but chains. I have not seen or heard of him for years. Baby. The very man 1 Brock. 'Tis strange to find him here ! Elliott. He calls the red men freedom's last survival : Says truth is only found in Nature's growth — Her first intention, ere false knowledge rose To frame distinctions, and exhaust the world. Brock. Few find like him the substance of their dreams. But, Elliott, ^et us seek Tecumseh now. Stay, friends, till we return. \ExeuHt Bhock and Elliott. 52 RAISE THE FLAG. I (iLEGG. How odd to find An old friend in this fashion ! Proctor. Humph ' a fool Who dotes on forest tramps and savages. Why, at the best, they are the worst of men ; And this Tecumseh has so strained my temper, So over-stept my wishes, thrid my orders, That I would sooner ask the devil's aid Than such as his. NiCHOL. Why, Brock is charmed with him ! And, as you saw, at Amherstburg he put Most stress upon opinion when he spoke. Macdonell. Already they've determined on assault. Proctor. Then most unwisely so ! There are no bounds To this chief's rashness, and our General seems Swayed by it too, or rashness hath a twin. NiCHOL. Well rashness is the wind of enterprise, And blows its banners out. But here they come Who dig beneath their rashness for their reasons. Re-enter General Brock and Colonel Elliott accom- panied by Tecumseh, conversing. Tecumseh. We have been much abused ! and have abused Our fell destroyers, too— making our wrongs The gauge of our revenge. And still forced back From the first justice and the native right, Ever revenge hath sway. This we would void, And, by a common boundary, prevent. So, granting that a portion of our own Is still our own, then let that portion be Confirmed by sacred treaty to our tribes. This is my sum of asking — you have ears ! Brock. Nay, then, Tecumseh, speak of it no more ! My promise is a pledge, and from a man Who never turned his back on friend or foe. The timely service you have done our cause, Rating not what's to come, would warrant it. I RAISE THE FLAG. 53 So, if I live, possess your soul of this — No treaty for a peace, if we prevail, Will bear a seal that doth not guard your rights. Here take my sash, and wear it for my sake — Tecumseh can esteem a soldier's gilt. Tecumseh. Thanks, thanks, my brother, I have faiih in you ; My life is at your service ! Brock. Gentlemen, Have you considered my proposal well Touching the capture of Detroit by storm ? What say you. Colonel Proctor ? Proctor. I object ! 'Tis true, the enemy has left our .^hores, But what a sorry argument is this For his withdrawal, which some sanguine men, Jumping all other motives, charge to fear, Prudence, more deeply searching, lays to craft. Why should a foe, who far outnumbers us, Retreat over this great river, save to lure Our poor force after him ? And, having crossed — Our weakness seen, and all retreat cut off — What would ensue but absolute surrender. Or sheer destruction ? 'Tis too hazardous ! Discretion balks at such a mad design,. Brock. What say the rest ? 1ST Officer. I fear 'tis indiscreet. 2ND Officer, 'Twould be imprudent with our scanty force. Brock. What say you, Nichol, to my foolish scheme? NiCHOL. 1 think it feasible and prudent too. Hull's letters, captured by Tecumseh, prove His soldiers mutinous, himself despondent. And dearly Rumor loves the wilderness, Which gives a thousand echoes to a tongue That ever swells and magnifies our strength. And in this flux v/e take him, on the hinge Of two uncertainties — his force and ours. 54 h\lISR THE I' LAC. So, weighed, objections fall ; and our attempt, Losing its grain of rashness takes its rise In clearest judgment, whose effect will nerve All Canada to perish, ere she yield. Brock. My very thoughts ! what says Tecumseh now ? Ti-XUMSKH. 1 say. attack the fort ! This very night ril cross my braves, if you decide on this Brock. Then say no more ! (ilogg, take a flag of truce, And bear to Hull this summons to surrender. Tell him Tecumseh and his force are here — A host of warriors brooding on their wrongs, Who, should resistance flush them to revenge, Would burst from my control like wind-borne fire, And match on earth the miseries of hell. But, should he yield, his safety is assured. Tell him Tecumseh's word is pledged to this, AVho, though his temperate will in peace is law. Yet casts a loose rein to enforced rage. Add what your fancy dictates ; but the stress Place most on what I speak of — this he fears, And these same fears, well wrought upon by you. May prove good workers for us yet. CiLFCG. I go, And shall ac(]uit myself as best I can. \_Exit G\A-A\c.. Brock. Tecumseh, wonder not at such a message ! The guilty conscience of your foes is judge Of their deserts, and hence 'twill be believed. The answer may be ' nay,' so to our work— Which perfected, we shall con''er again, Then cross at break of morn. [Exeufit all but Tecumseh. Tecumseh. This is a man ! And our great father, waking from his sleep, Has sent him to our aid. Master of Life, Endue my warriors with double strength ! May the wedged helve be faithful to the axe, i^AisE TUP. r-r AC. 55 The arrow fail not, and the Hint be firm ! That our great vengeance, like the whirlwind fell, May cleave, through thickets, of our enemies, A broad path to our ravaged lands again. {Exit. # # ^ * * * SCENE EIGHTH.— The highway through the Forest LEADING TO FORT DETROIT— ThE FoRT IX THE DIS TANCE ; CANNON AND GUNNERS AT THE (iATE. Enter Tecumseh, Stayeta, and other Chiefs and JVarriors. Tecumseh. There is the Long Knives' fcrt, within whose walls We lose our lives, or find our lands to-day. Fight for that little space— 'tis wide domain ! That small enclosure shuts us from our homes There are the victors in the Prophet's strife— Within that fort they lie— those bloody men Who burnt your town, to light their triumph up, And drove your women to the withered woods To shudder through the cold slow-creeping night. And help their in!ants to out-howl the wolf. Oh, the base Long-Knife grows to head, not heart— A pitiless and murdering minister To his desires ! Pvut let us now be strong. And, if we conquer, merciful as strong ! Swoop like the eagles on their prey, but turn In victory your taste to that of doves ; For ever it has been reproach to us That we have stained our deeds with cruelty, And dyed our axes in our captives' blood. So, here, retort not on a vanquished foe. But teach him lessons in humanity. Now let the big heart, swelling in each breast, Strain every rib for lodgment ! Warriors ! Bend to your sacred task, and follow me. Stayeta. Lead on ! We follow vcu ! 56 RAISE IIIR FLAG. V \ \ \. < \ KiCKAPoo Chikf. Advance ye braves ! Tecumseh. Stay ! make a circuit in the open woods — Cross, and recross, and double on the path — So shall the Long-Knives overcount our strength. Do this, Stayeta, whilst I meet my friend — My brave white brother, and confer with him. £nfef General Brock, Proctor, Nichol, Macdonell and other Officers and Forces, on the highway. Te- cumseh goes down to meet them. Brock. Now by God's providence we face Detroit, Either to sleep within its walls to-night, Or in deep beds dug by exulting foes. Go, Nichol, make a swift reconnoissance — We'll follow on. Nichol I shall, but, ere I go I do entreat you, General, take the rear ; Those guns are shrewdly placed without the gate — One raking fire might rob us of your life. And, this lost, all is lost. Brock. Well meant, my friend ! But I am here to lead, not follow, men Whose confidence has come with me thus far ! Go, Nichol, to your task ! {Exit Nichol. Tecumseh advances. Tecumseh, hail I Brave chieltian, you have made your promise good. Tecumseh. My brother stands to his ! and 1 but wait His orders to advance — my warriors Are ripe for the assault. Brock Deploy them, then, Upon our landward flank, and skirt the woods. Whilst we advance in column to attack. [Tecumseh rejoins his warriors. Signal our batteries on the farther shore To play upon the Fort ' Be steady friends — k'AfSF. THE r-I.ACr, 57 Be steady ! Now upon your country turn Your multiplying thoughts and strike for her ! Strike for your distant and inviolate homes, i^erfumed with holy prayer at this hour ! Strike ! with your fathers' virtue in your veins Vou must prevail— on, on, to the attack ! \Bkock a7id forces advance towards the Fort. A heavy cannonading fro /n the British batteries. Re-enter Nichoi, hastily, NiCHOL. Stay. General ! I saw a flag of truce Cross from the Fort to the Canadian shore. Brock. Halt ! There's another from yon bastion flung ; And, see ! another waves adown the road — Borne by an oflicer — what think you, Nichol ? NiCHOL. Your threats are conquerors ! The Fort is ours ! Glegg. Yes, look ! the gunners have been all withdrawn Who manned the cannon at yon western gate. Proctor. So many men to yield without a blow ! Why, this is wonderful ! It cannot be ! Brock. Say, rather, should not be, and yet it is ! 'Tis plainly written in this captain's face. Officer tvith flag of truce approaches. Officer. This letter from our General contains Proposals to capitulate — pray send An officer to ratify the terms. General Brock reads letter. Brock. You have a wise and politic commander ! Officer. Our General, knowing your superior force — Nichol. (Aside.) O this is good ! 'tis barely half his own ! Officer. And noting your demand of yesterday With clearer judgment, doth accede to it, To bar effusion of much precious blood By reasonable treaty of surrender. Brock. Why, this is excellent, and rare discretion ! S8 RAISE THE El. AG. Officer, He fears your Indians could not be restrained. Our women's prayers — red visions of the knife — Wq. know not what — have melted his stout heart, And brought him tc this pass Broc K. Ay, ay, how good ! Great judgment and humanity combined. ( 'legg and Macdonell go at once and sign Those happy stipulations which restore Fair Michigan to empire and the crown. Exeunt Gleoc, AIacdonkll and Officer with Flag. We shall await our officers' return — But now prepare to occupy the Fort 1 With colours flying we shall enter it, And martial music, as befits the scene. No Sunday ever saw a finer sight — Three cheers /or Canada and England's right ! [^Shoiifs and congratulations from th ■ soldiery. SCENE NINTH. -Fort Detroit.— A Tumult of Amerk;an Soldiers and Citizens Enter General Hull and one of Ids officers, accompanied by Brock's Aides, Gi.ec.g and Macdonell. Hull. Here is the paper ! Tell your General Divine humanity, whic'i hath in me A deeper root than fear of him, thus yields : A sheer compunction lest the savage axe Should drink too deeply in confused revenge. Glecxj. Depend upon it, we shall tell him so, And shall away at once. [Exeunt Glegg and Macdonell Hull. 'Tis well I lived To stop this bloody work ! Deferment played Into the hands of death. Officer. Oh, sir, I think That what begins in honor so should end-- m kAISE THI: FLAG. S9 restrained. Flag. "^^ wldiery- ULT OF compauied ONELL 1 First deeds, not stained, but dusted by the last ; I'or, thus the long day of a useful life, Seems burnished by its close. Hui.L. My friend, had all Been trusty as the men of your command ! lint— I am great in silence and shall speak No more of this ! What's done is for the best. ^Retiring. Ofucer. a bleached and doting relic of stale time ! His best is bad for us. \^A Sijuad of J^o/unieer Militia insultingly surround the General., liojting and groaning. 1ST Volunteer. Hull ! hold the fort : 2ND Volunteer Resist I We'll back you up I Hull. Insolent luftians ! Some men are here in \vhose sincerity And courage I have perlect faith — but you ' — Untaught, unmannerly and mutinous — Your muddy hearts would squirm within your ribs If I but gave the order to resist ! You would command me ! You who never learned The simple first note of obedience ! Stand off, nor let me ! I regard you not. Fine Volunteers are you, who mutinied O'er such privations as true soldiers laugh at ! Fine Volunteers ! whom we were forced to coax. And almost drag upon the forest march. Oh, if I had a thousand more of men, A thousand less of things — which is your name — I would defend this Fort, and keep it too. Stand off and let me pass ! «^ \Tlie CiEneral ivalks off. 1ST Volunteer. The General Talks well, boys, when he's mad ! I 6() RAISE TUP. Fr.AC. Enter an Okficek. Ofi'ickk. Fall in ! Fall in ! Here come the British troops — the Fort's surrendered ! ^^//tr Genkkal Brock and Forces^ with Coiors Jiying and military music. The American soldiers sullenly ground arms, and march out of the Fort. Brock. This is a happy end ! you, Nichol, make — With Proctor— rough lists of our spoils of war, Then join with us in grateful prayers to heaven. [Exeunt Nichol a?id Proctor. Enter Tecumseh and Stayeta {the latter wearing Brock's sash) with other Chiefs and JFarriors, and Lefroy. Tecumseh. My valiant brother is the rising sun — Gur foes the night, which disappears before him ! Our people thank him, and their hearts are his ! Brock. Why, here is misdirection I For their thanks — They fall to you, Tecumseh, more than me ! And, lest what lies in justice should too long Stand in expectancy — 'till thanks seem cold — Take mine, Tecumseh ! for your services Have won, with us, the honours of the day, And you shall share its spoils. Tecumseh. Freedom I prize, And my poor people's welfare more than spoils ! No longer will they wander in the dark ; The path is open, and the sky is clear. We thank you for it all ! Brock. Nay, then, our thanks We'll interchange — take mine, as I take thine ! But how is this ? Is friendship's gift unused ? Where is my brother's sash ? — Tecumseh. That gjft I deemed Conferred on me as on a warrior. And, when I saw a worthier than myself, I could not wear it. 'Tis Stayeta's now — He keeps it 'till he finds a worthier still. A'.l/S/'. I' HE I- 1 AC. 6i Fall in ! Fall in ! ;urrendered ! Colors Jlying and s sullenly ground lol, make — war, aven. a7id Proctor. wearijig Brock's d Lefroy. ing sun — I him ! his! T their thanks — I g iom I prize, )oils ! our thanks ne ! ? i Hrock. Noble Tecumseh ! thou art still the best ! Men envy their own merit in another — Grudging e'en what's superfluous to themselves — But thou — great valour's integer, wouldst share Its very recompense with all the world ! Here are my pistols— take them from a friend — Nay — take them ! Would I had a richer gift To mark my heart's approval of your worth ! Re-enter General Hull. Hull. You ask not for my sword — but here it is ! I wielded it in honour in my youth, And now to yield it, tarnished, in old age, Vexes me to the soul. Brock. Then keep it, sir ! Hull. Trenton and Saratoga speak for me ! (Aside.) I little thought that I should have to knead In my gray years, this lumpy world again. But, when my locks were brown, my heart aflame For liberty, believe me, sir, this sword Did much to baffle your imperious King ! Brock. That stands not in dispute, so keep the sword ! 'Tis strange that those who fought for liberty, Should seek to wrench it from their fellow men. Impute not guilty war to Kings alone, Since 'tis the pastime of Republics, too ! Your's has its dreams of glory, conquest, spoil — Else should we not be here. But, General, Wilt dine with us ? We shall discuss this matter ! Hull. Nay, let me to my house ; I cannot eat. Brock. Sir, as you will — but prithee, be prepared ! I sail in six days for Niagara, And you for Montreal. Hull. Till then, adieu ! [^.T/'/CiENKRAL Hull. Tecumseh. Why should my brother leave Detroit so soon ? 69 KAISE THE J' LAG. Brock. Our foes are massing at Niagara, And I must meet them ; Colonel Proctor stays In this command. Ti'X UMsi:n. I know him very well. My brother's friend says "go ! " but you say "come! " 1jR(3CK.. {A'iide.) How am I straitenetl lor good officers ! {7}> Tecumskh.) Friend Proctor's prudence may be use- ful here. Tecumseh. I do misgive me o'er my brother's friend. Re-enter NicHoi, and Pkoctor, NicHUL. Large stores, munitions, public properties ; A rare account of needed stands of arms ; A brig of war, and military chest — These are the spoils of bloodless victory. \Ha)iding GENERAr. Brock a list Brock. Naught is much prized that is not won with blood ! Glkgg. And yet I would old England's victories Were all as bloodless, ample and complete. Macdonell. O, 'tis a victory fitly gained ihis day ; (ircat turning point of our Canadian fortunes I This day forever should red-lettered stand In all the calendars of our loved land I \Exeunt. h'AISE THE FLAd, 63 ays 'ell. )' " come ! " r good officers ! !nce may be use- ther's friend. properties ; . Brock a list is not won with 3 victories ed I his day ; les ! \Exeunt. (iOD SAVE TilK (JUKKN. God save our gracious ( hieen, Long live our noble (,)ueen, God save the ( Kiee.i ; Send her victorious. Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us ; God save the Queen ! O Lord our God, arise, Scatter her enemies, And make them fall ! Confound their poliiics, Frustrate their knavish tricks, On Tl'ee our hopes we hx ; God save the ()ueen 1 Thy choicest gifts in store On her be pleased to pour, Long may she reign ; May she defend our laws, /Vnd ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice, God" save the Queen ! Hunter, Kose & Co., I'RiNrKRrt, TUROXTO. > ;■ I k i ' I \ I' -•:r - ■ «,.,a^..-_.., ;. ■.