Stadacona: An Ode To Quebec City

Stadacona An ode to Quebec City 1 On the green bank of a mighty stream - A lofty aerie - a fair city beam With stately air a queen, she stands - A gem - over these most forest lands. An old city (first in Canada) Formerly humble Stadacona. 2 Hardy Champlain, of proud heritage - Geographer and scion of Brouage - Envisioned her rocky shore And armed with dreams, he did explore Her woody crest - a verdant forest - Aloft there on her virgin breast. 3 Her sons were gallant progenity - Seeds of Brittany; roots of Normady - Of France. The served with honor, With bravery and staunchless valor. All faithful, all trustful habitants, Artisans, voyageurs and peasants. 4 Her daughter came with chaste dignity Brave heart and robust vitality; The cradle to rock, the flax to spin, The hearth to brighten, the wild to win. Must dutiful, most fruitful maidens! Lights of home! Makers of edens! 5 Stalwart pioneers - hence from a rampart Aery they went to conquer and to chart Untold regions, where but stealthy feet E’er dared the wilderness to defeat. Trail blazers - hence to give name To the unknown - faith the untame. 6 Here a new world and a new nation Was conceived - a dauntless bastion Tempered with faith and loyally blue - Which kept the pledge, centuries three. O gentle city! “Guard well thy crown Of charm; thy quaintness and they renown.” Envoi: Royal “flour de lis” no longer remain O’er citadel proud, yon wide domain; But memories sacred of past heroes, sleep On bosom tender ever fresh ever deep. Written the 15th of May, 1947 by Wilfred J. Bouthillet