"When men, like you, approach them nigh,
They make a yell, retreat, and fly:
On equal ground, they never try
The warrior's art.
"Then dare their strength—at honor's call
Explore the road to Montreal,
To dine, perchance, in Drummond's hall,
Perhaps in jail.
"Of all uncertain things below
The chance of war is doubly so;
For this I saw, and this I know;—
Yet, do not fail.
"To live, for months on scanty fare,
To sleep, by night in open air,
To fight, and every danger share;
All these await.
"But bear them all!—wherever led,
And live contented, though half fed:—
A couch of straw, and canvas shed
Shall be your fate!
"And mind the mark—remember me—
When full of fight, and full of glee,
Be of your brandy not too free:—
Ay, mind the mark!
"Who drinks too much, the day he fights,
Calls danger near, and death invites
To dim, or darken all his lights;—
His noon is dark!
"It is a friend in a stormy day;
Then brandy drives all care away,
But, over done, it will betray
The wisest sage.
"Then strictly guard the full canteen—
Its power enlivens every scene,
And helps to keep the soul serene
When battles rage.
"This potent stuff, if managed well,
(And strong it is, the sort I sell)
Can every doubt and fear expel,
When prudence guides.