AVE JOSEPH

Ave Joaeph ! 61i David, jasta

Vir Mari» de qua natiu eut Jésus I

I love that "Ave Joseph :" 'tis an old and hallovi'ed prayer, And with it cornes the voice of lakes, of hills and valleys fair, Of rivers wildly flowing, of woodlands stretching wide ; — Thèse mingle in that "Ave" in one o'erwhelming tide.

'Twas heard amid the forests, that mantled ail the land,

Where trod the holy missioner his crucifix in hand ;

'Twas heard whea Heaven the compact sealed ; — "Joseph the guardian

I ratify the choice New-France has made by public vow !" [thou,

Oh ! 'twas a thought with blessings rife, in Joseph's hands to place The youthful colony set down amid the Indian race ; Yes ! 'twas a deed of wisdom, a patron high to claim : — Where Jésus reigns and Mary pleads, Joseph prays not in vain.

Soon hither bonnd, as sent by Heaven, what gen'rous soûls appear I Fearless Brebeuf ! I see thee with thy martyr'd brethren near : I see the Red Man sudJen pause and own his Maker God, AnJ ranks of Saints rejjicing rise reaJy to give their blood.

Ye hosts of fervent christians ppeak, and tell your deeds of love ; Ye ladies fair who cliose thèse wilds f.^r sake of Hini above, Tell us the secret of your strength ; — tnethinks I hear you say : " 'Twas Joseph luiled the winds and waves and cheered us on the way."