War Poetry

Sonnet Read at the Unveiling of the Lundy's Lane Monument,
25th July, 1895

"STAND FAST! STAND FAST! STAND FAST!" A mighty cry
Rang from the British line at Lundy's Lane.
"CLOSE UP YOUR RANKS! STAND FAST!" the foes again
Swarm up the hill, where our brave colours fly,
And Drummond shouts: "To conquer or to die."
'Mid roar of guns, that rend the heavens in twain,
Our flashing bayonets back upon the plain
Hurl down their columns, heaps on heaps they lie;
And Canada, like Greece at Marathon,
Stands victor on the field of freedom won.
This Pillar fair, of sculptured stone, will show
Forever, in the light of glory, how
England and Canada stood fast that night
At Lundy's Lane, and conquered for the right.

by William Kirby (War of 1812)