And when, Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, on the 6th of September of next year, the one hundredth anniversary of Cartier's birth, amidst the plaudits of hundreds of thousands of Canadians of all origins, creeds, and political leanings, the veil shall be removed from the magnificent memorial which shall stand on one of the commanding slopes of Mount Royal, testifying to the grateful recognition of the whole Dominion, justice shall have been done to the memory of one who loved his country, who accomplished great works for its benefit, whose heart was ever stirred by that feeling of ardent devotion to his native land which he himself expressed in those burning words of patriotism: "_O Canada, Mon Pays, Mes Amours!_"[6] O CANADA, MY OWN BELOVED LAND![7] From the French "O CANADA, MON PAYS, MES AMOURS," of Sir George Etienne Cartier. BY JOHN BOYD For the Cartier Centenary. "One's own land is best of all," So an ancient adage says; To sing it is the poet's call, Mine be to sing my fair land's praise. Strangers behold with envious eyes St. Lawrence's tide so swift and grand, But the Canadian proudly cries, O Canada, my own beloved land! Rivers and streams in myriad maze Meander through our fertile plains, Midst many a lofty mountain's haze, What vast expanse the vision chains! Vales, hills and rapids, forest brakes-- What panorama near so grand! Who doth not love thy limpid lakes, O Canada, my own beloved land! Each season of the passing year, In turn, attractions hath to bless. Spring like an ardent wooer, dear, Besports fair flowers and verdant dress; Summer anon prepares to wrest The harvest rare with joyful hand; In Fall and Winter, feast and jest. O Canada, my own beloved land! Canadians, like their sires of old Revel in song and gaily live, Mild, gentle, free, not overbold, Polite and gallant, welcome give. Patriots, to country ever leal, They, foes of slavery, staunchly stand; Their watchword is the peace and weal Of Canada, their beloved land. Each country vaunts its damsels fair, (I quite agree with truth they boast) But our Canadian girls must share The witching charm of beauty's host, So lovely they and so sincere, With that French charm of magic wand, Coquettish just to make them dear. O Canada, my own beloved land! O my country, thou art blest, Favoured of all the nations now! But the stranger's vile behest Would the seeds of discord sow. May thy brave sons for thy sake Join to help thee, hand in hand, For thy great day doth e'en now break, O Canada, my own beloved land! FOOTNOTES: [1] Dr. Parkin--Life of Sir John A. Macdonald. [2] John Lewis, Life of George Brown. [3] Dr. Parkin--Life of Sir John A. Macdonald.