Classic Poem

Two hundred years ago and more,
When history was romance,
The white flag of the Bourbons flew
From all the gates of France,

And even on these stern Western shores
Rock-ribbed and forest-mailed,
The Bourbon name, the Bourbon fame
With " Vive le Roi " was hailed.

O " Vive le Roi! " and " Vive le Roi! "
Those wild adventurous days
When brave Champlain and Poutrincourt
Explored the Acadian bays,

When from Port Royal's rude-built walls
Gleamed o'er the hills afar
The golden lilies of the shield
Of Henry of Navarre.

A gay and gallant company
Those voyagers of old
Whose life in the Acadian fort
Lescarbot's verse has told,

In mirth and merriment they formed
Their " Order of Good Cheer "
And many a mimic revel kept
Throughout the winter drear.

Aye, while the snow blew wildly o'er
The meadows crisp and bare,
And hooded the adjacent hills
Like nuns of Saint-Hilaire,

Each day they spread a goodly feast
Not anywise too poor
To suit the taste of such as dine
In famous Rue Aux Ours.

Then as the old French clock rang out,
With echoes musical,
Twelve silvery strokes, the hour of noon,
Through the pine-scented hall,

The Master of the Order came
To serve each hungry guest,
A napkin o'er his shoulder thrown,
And flashing on his breast

A collar decked with diamonds,
And pearls and turquoise blue,
While close behind in warrior dress
Walked old Chief Membertou;

Then wine went round, and friends were pledged
With kindly courtesy,
And ne'er was heard one longing word
For France beyond the sea.

O days of bold adventure past,
O gay, adventurous men,
Your " Order of Good Times " I think
Shall ne'er be seen again,

For proud Port Royal's fortress is
A peaceful ruin now,
Where booming guns have yielded place
To sickle, scythe, and plow,

And commerce rules these shores remote,
And trading vessels ply
The seas where frigates used to float
The Bourbon flag on high,

And kings and queens and captains brave
To other lands are wed,
And the rare witchery romance gave
These western wilds is dead.