Not light the task, nor enviable the lot
Of him who thus would plant, on shores unknown,
And in a wild and never-trodden spot,
A new-born city's first foundation stone.
A sturdy courage and a fearless heart
Belong to him who plays so bold a part.
III.
Not first to land in Acadie, nor first
To sail the great St. Lawrence, brave Champlain
Yet dared what none before him ever durst—
To give his life and labour—not for gain
To be derived from profitable trade—
Ambition else by hardship had been stayed;
IV.
But, for his king to found a colony,
And, for his God to win another land,
He suffered pain and hardship patiently;
And, with a busy and unflinching hand,
He laboured on that wild and rugged shore;
Nor ceased to labour till he breathed no more.
V.
He had not thus endured, as he endured,
Except his faith had given him new might;
Nor had he been to suffering inured,
And patient borne, except the holy rite,
Each day renewed, had cheered his fainting soul,
Enabling him to keep his courage whole.
VI.