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 afoot? CITIZEN. Why everyone's afoot and coming here. York's citizens are turned to warriors; The learned professions go a-soldiering, And gentle hearts beat high for Canada! For, as you pass, on every hand you see, Through the neglected openings of each house-- Through doorways, windows--our Canadian maids Strained by their 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. Yes, to the beach, and there Embark for Burlington, whence they will march To Long Point, taking open boats again, To plough the shallow Erie'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_ GENERAL BROCK, _with his aides,_ MACDONELL _and_ GLEGG, NICHOL, _and other Officers, followed by the Volunteers in companies. 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, And grow to greater greatness. Cry a halt-- A word here--then away! [_Flourish. The volunteers halt, form line, and order arms._]