Then, too, it was an event momentous For this fair Canada of ours-- So much on the stern issue depended, So much on two desperate hours. Nigh and nigher, wilder and higher, To blaring trump and rolling drum, Covering their front with a skirmish line, On in war’s wild clamor they come! “Fire not a shot till the word is given! Let the proud foe draw very near; Then, like an avalanche, sweep their blue ranks-- Remain steady, and have no fear!” Thus Morrison cried to his thin red line, Silently awaiting the word; Though the foe had opened with clamorous roar, Not a man in that firm line stirred. At last the British the signal receive, And a mighty blow is given; A devastating rush of iron hail Through the foeman’s ranks is driven. And, oh! how that red line volleyed and flamed Cool and steady, they fired low, And crash after crash, in tumultuous din, Fell on the suffering foe! And for two consuming and fatal hours, They struggled ’mid smoke and flame, Till the earth was strewn with the gallant dead, Where Boyd hurled his thousands in vain. Then ruined and beaten, and punished sore, He fled from defeat away; Victory perched on our banners once more On that ever-remembered day. Canadian and British valor prevailed, And down through the annals of time Their heroic deeds we commemorate, In hist’ry as jewels to shine. O sunny land of the dear Maple Leaf, In union abiding and free Under the Old Flag of a thousand years, Floating o’er us from sea to sea! SUMMER TWILIGHT. I sit at the dear twilight hour Where the lilies and roses sleep, And the thoughts that come unto me Are oh! so calm and so sweet. I list the sound of a footfall I know will come unto me At the golden glow of sunset, When shadows steal o’er the sea, All restful and soul refreshing As dew to the drooping flower, Inwardly invigorating, Imparting new life and power. And thus, removed from the turmoil Of day, with its din and strife, I listen in calm contentment To the hum of insect life. The songs I hear in the branches, Just stirred by the wandering breeze, A concert of matchless music, Fill my heart with gladsome ease. The silvery, mystic moonlight Enfoldeth the earth and the sea, And the summer night is throbbing In nature’s full harmony. O sun, and sea, and shadow! O eve with thy dreamy light! I revel amid thy splendor, Enrapt in a subtle delight! Aleene! I await thy coming, And the clasp of thy gentle hand, To wander in blissful dreaming Near heaven’s own borderland! CANADIAN HOMES.