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
Copyright © Tom Bouthillet | Year Posted 2019
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