The following impromptu was delivered in the Methodist Church Concert, March, 1883.
It was expected that several announced in bills world take part, but from various
causes they were not present. We were unexpectedly requested to fill one of the
vacencies.
...
We have scarcely time to tell thee
Of the strange and gifted Shelley,
Kind hearted man, but ill-fated,
So youthful drowned and cremated.
...
Some in front rank will defiant
Boldly place the Poet Bryant.
...
To night the children meet with glee
To view the fruits on Christmas Tree,
And when its beauties we behold
We're very sorry we are old.
...
On grassy amphitheater
Spectators sit, to view the war
'Mong bold contestants on the plain,
Where each doth strive the prize to gain ;
...
The farmers are in cheerful mood,
For harvest all it hath been good;
And all the grain was sown this spring
An abundant yield will bring.
...
We have here a sight as fair
As bonnie Doon or banks of Ayr.
Like modest worth, meandering slow,
The quiet waters gently flow.
...
Burns sang of joys of Hallowe'en,
But in Canada is oft seen
By far more jolly times than these,
At logging raising, paring bees,
...
You may look but look in vain
For stores with such immense pane ;
All other shops they do surpass
With their enormous lights of glass.
...
The following response to ' Canada, our Home,' was given
at a banquet of the Caledonian Society, Ingersoll.
...