Vacation Verse

VACATION VERSE.
W. M. M.
MONTREAL: WITNESS PRINTING HOUSE. 1891.
MR. ROBERT McDOUGALL, B.A.
My Dear Rob.—My intention when I left the country was, as you know, to publish a volume of some size, which should present among its contents the long poem which I wrote during the early part of my last vacation. The design has dwindled until it finds its execution in the publication of this little pamphlet, containing merely passages from that poem. Some of these you heard recited as we strolled together through the fields of the Chateauguay Valley, and were kind enough to approve. My hope is, that, considering the stage of advancement of their author, and remembering the circumstances of his writing (during the intervals of study for a college examination), you will approve all the pieces here presented to you by him; and my further hope is, that you,—you, sweet in song as firm in friendship,—may yet have cause to regard him as one
Who touch'd a jarring lyre at first, But ever strove to make it true.'
Your sincere friend, W. M. M.
Montreal, October 10th, 1891.

A WALK IN MOUNT ROYAL PARK: CANADIAN CITIES.
Next morning in the Park I took a stroll. A walk upon Mount Royal is a thing, Glorious at any time, but most of all At early morning in the opening spring, While yet the snow-wreaths to the rock-shelves cling, And little streamlets lash the steaming side; While on the air the April breezes fling An appetizing vigor far and wide, And make the steep ascent a pleasure and a pride.
The path ascends by stately Ravenscrag, And past the monument which marks his rest, Over whose history strange traditions drag Their spectral robes—his memory's sole behest. Here for a moment halting, all imprest With other thoughts than find a ready tongue, I view the leopard slope, the bristling crest, The blue beyond, with cloud veils lightly hung, And glory in a dream of time when earth was young.