Their tribute other queens have laid
Upon the land and sea;
But never earthly monarch swayed
So many hearts as she.
And for her young and gallant heir
A kindred love prevails;
God hear a nation's fervent prayer!
God bless the Prince of Wales!
OUR NATIVE LAND.
[This was probably written in the early part of the year 1861, before
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had given deliverance to the
captives, and when "the north star" was an object dear to many a slave
who longed to breathe the free air of Canada. The Rev. E. H. Dewart
says of it: "This spirited lyric is alike creditable to the talents,
patriotism, and independence of its author. Its loyalty is an
intelligent attainment, free from blind prejudice and crouching
adulation."]
What land more beautiful than ours?
What other land more blest?
The South with all its wealth of flowers?
The prairies of the West?
Oh no! there's not a fairer land
Beneath yon azure dome--
Where Peace holds Plenty by the hand,
And Freedom finds a home.
The slave who but her name hath heard,
Repeats it day and night,
And envies every little bird
That takes its northward flight.
As to the Polar star they turn
Who brave a pathless sea:
So the oppressed in secret yearn,
Dear native land, for thee!
How many loving memories throng
Round Britain's stormy coast!
Renowned in story and in song,
Her glory is our boast.
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