Strange that Nature should remind us
Of the coming fight!
Let it come--it will but find us
Battling for the right.

Never shall the land that gave us
Birth be held a thrall:
Ere the Stars and Stripes enslave us,
Death shall have us all!

Quickly in this silent dingle
Raise the _abatis_,
Near where Outarde waters mingle
With the Chateauguay.

Hasten, Night, across the meadows,
Kiss the streams to sleep,
Wrap us in thy cloak of shadows,
Bid the stars not peep.

Night has passed; the birds, awaking,
Greet the dawning day.
Wherefore are our foemen making
Such a long delay?

Hark! at last they come; now, steady!
Wait the signal gun.
When I fire, fire you. Now! ready?
Fire! Ah! lads, well done!