The Serpent.

Canada, the time approaches,         And is even now at hand,     When thou must declare what ruler         Thine allegiance shall command.     In thy midst there creeps a Serpent--         Deadliest of all thy foes--     Gliding in among thy councils,         Spreading venom where she goes.     Like the fatal boa-constrictor         Charming those who soon must die,     She can so transfix her victim         By the glitter of her eye,     That the greatest of thy statesmen         Dares not question her decree,     But in meek humiliation         Bows to her, abjuring thee.     Rise, Canadians! and boldly         Thrust the Serpent from your land;     And should any strive to help her,         Crush them with your martial hand.     Rise unanimous, and fear not         In your country's cause to fight;     Better bloodshed than surrender         To the wily Serpent's might.     Hurl from power the men who basely         Truckle to the Serpent's will;     Cast them out and call on others--         Truer men--their place to fill.     Men whose chiefest aim shall be to         Fight for Canada and home--     Men who will not bow before the         Dictates of the Church of Rome.     Canada, the time approaches,         And is even now at hand--     Wilt thou choose that Rome or England         Thine allegiance shall command?