James Wolfe.
Montcalm, riding out from Quebec early in the morning of Thursday, September 13, 1759, found the English drawn up in line of battle on the Plains of Abraham—they had scaled the cliffs in safety. He attacked about ten o'clock, but his troops were repulsed at the second volley and fled in confusion back to the fort. Wolfe was killed in the charge which followed, and Montcalm was fatally wounded and died that night. The French were demoralized; a council was called and the incredible resolution reached to abandon the fort without further resistance. The retreat commenced at once, and Quebec was left to its fate. It was never again to pass into the hands of France.
BRAVE WOLFE
[September 13, 1759]
Cheer up, my young men all,
Let nothing fright you;
Though oft objections rise,
Let it delight you.
Let not your fancy move
Whene'er it comes to trial;
Nor let your courage fail
At the first denial.
I sat down by my love,
Thinking that I woo'd her;
I sat down by my love,
But sure not to delude her.
But when I got to speak,
My tongue it doth so quiver,
I dare not speak my mind,
Whenever I am with her.
Love, here's a ring of gold,
'Tis long that I have kept it,
My dear, now for my sake,
I pray you to accept it.
When you the posy read,
Pray think upon the giver,
My dear, remember me,
Or I'm undone forever.