Montcalm, riding out from Quebec early in the morning of Thursday, September 13, 1759, found the English drawn up in line of battle on the Plains of Abraham--they had scaled the cliffs in safety. He attacked about ten o'clock, but his troops were repulsed at the second volley and fled in confusion back to the fort. Wolfe was killed in the charge which followed, and Montcalm was fatally wounded and died that night. The French were demoralized; a council was called and the incredible resolution reached to abandon the fort without further resistance. The retreat commenced at once, and Quebec was left to its fate. It was never again to pass into the hands of France. BRAVE WOLFE [September 13, 1759] Cheer up, my young men all, Let nothing fright you; Though oft objections rise, Let it delight you. Let not your fancy move Whene'er it comes to trial; Nor let your courage fail At the first denial. I sat down by my love, Thinking that I woo'd her; I sat down by my love, But sure not to delude her. But when I got to speak, My tongue it doth so quiver, I dare not speak my mind, Whenever I am with her. Love, here's a ring of gold, 'Tis long that I have kept it, My dear, now for my sake, I pray you to accept it. When you the posy read, Pray think upon the giver, My dear, remember me, Or I'm undone forever. Then Wolfe he took his leave, Of his most lovely jewel; Although it seemed to be To him, an act most cruel. Although it's for a space I'm forced to leave my love, My dear, where'er I rove, I'll ne'er forget my dove. So then this valiant youth Embarked on the ocean, To free America From faction's dire commotion. He landed at Quebec, Being all brave and hearty; The city to attack, With his most gallant party. Then Wolfe drew up his men, In rank and file so pretty, On Abraham's lofty heights, Before this noble city. A distance from the town The noble French did meet them, In double numbers there, Resolved for to beat them. _A Parley_: WOLFE _and_ MONTCALM _together_ Montcalm and this brave youth, Together they are walking; So well they do agree, Like brothers they are talking. Then each one to his post, As they do now retire; Oh, then their numerous hosts Began their dreadful fire. Then instant from his horse, Fell this most noble hero, May we lament his loss In words of deepest sorrow. The French are seen to break, Their columns all are flying; Then Wolfe he seems to wake, Though in the act of dying. And lifting up his head (The drums and trumpets rattle), And to his army said, "I pray how goes the battle?"