THE SURRENDER OF QUEBEC.


[Quebec is the oldest city in Canada, having been founded by
Champlain, in 1608, near the site of an Indian village. It was taken
from the French, by the English, under General Wolfe, in 1759, after a
heroic defence by Montcalm. Both generals fell on the battle-field,
mortally wounded. In 1853 the Literary and Historical Society of
Quebec offered a prize medal for the best poem relating to the history
of Canada. Miss Johnson (then in her eighteenth year) wrote the
following, which took the prize.]


The orb of day upon his pathway pressed,
Beaming with splendor, toward the shining west,
Cast one long, lingering glance upon the scene,
Lit up the river and the forest green,
Left his last rays upon the lordly dome,
And deigned to smile upon the peasant's home;
Then 'neath the western hills he sought repose,
And sank to rest as calmly as he rose:
Bright at the dawn of day, but brighter now,
When day had almost passed, and round her brow
Hung the expiring beams of dazzling light,
The certain presage of approaching night.
Slowly his gorgeous train, like him, withdrew,
Changing as they advanced in form and hue,
Until one lovely tint of fairest dye