Grand Haven Daily Tribune (Suppliment)  September 23, 1902

 
                                                                             BritishBattles.com
Death of General Wolfe

“Brave Wolf.’

—

AUTHOR UNKNOWN.

—

Editor Tribune—There seems to be a craze nowadays for old songs.  The following is old enough for that matter, and I can remember of hearing it sung in New Hampshire and northern Vermont, over sixty years ago.  As an old relic commemorative of a memorable occasion, it may be worthy of a place in your columns.

                        Yours, D. F. Hunton.

August 25, 1902.

Cheer up your hearts, young men, let naught affright you—

Be of gallant mind, let that delight you;

Let not your courage fail, till after trial,

Nor let your spirit quail, at first denial.

I went to see my love, only to woo her,

I tried to gain her love, not undo her;

But ere I said one word, my heart did quiver,

I could not speak a word, while I was with her.

“Love, here’s a diamond ring, long time I’ve kept it,”

“’Tis for your sake alone, if you’ll accept it.”

“When you the motto read, I think of the giver,”

“And I’ll remember you, dear love, forever!”

Brave Wolf then took his leave of his dear jewel,

Most sorely did she grieve, for it was cruel;

“’Tis only for a space, that I must leave you.”

“Don’t weep, my darling Grace, I’ll not deceive you.”

‘Twas then this gallant youth crossed o’er the ocean,

To free America was his devotion;

He landed at Quebec, with all his party,

The city to attack, both brave and hearty.

Brave Wolf drew up his men, the lines most pretty

On plains of Abraham, before the city;

Then just before the town, the French did meet them,

And every rank and file, resolved to beat them.

When drawn up in a line, for work preparing,

Mont Calm, he looked so fine, and Wolf so daring,

These brave men then shook hands, as they were walking,

And soldiers thought it strange to see them talking.

Then each one took his post, at his desire,

And then the battle waged, with smoke and fire!

The cannons on each side, rolled out like thunder,

And whole platoons of men were rent asunder!

The drums all loudly beat, colors were flying,

Blood flowed in purple streams, and men lay dying,

Wolf fell from his horse, wounded and bleeding,

Just as the French gave up and were receding.

It was a sure defeat, Mont Calm was flying,

Brave Wolf, white as a sheet, said “I am dying!”

He lifted up his head, while guns did rattle,

And to his staff he said, “How goes the battle?”

His aid de camp replied, “’Tis in our favor!”

“Quebec, with all her pride, we will soon have her!”

“She’ll fall into our hands, with all her treasure,

“O then,” brave Wolf replied, “I die with pleasure!”

Brave Wolf then closed his eyes on human glory,

And went to other skies, less transitory;

In fairer climes above, he knows no morrow,

And we express our loss, by weeds of sorrow.

History of the battle from BritishBattles.com