Prologue To South Ontario Sketches.

The district lying South of Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe, including Toronto.


        My friends we sing Canadian themes,
            For in them we proudly glory,
        Her lakes and rivers and her streams,
            Worthy of renown in story;
        And in these leaves we hope is strewn
            Some wheat among the chaff,
        And maple boughs by rude axe hewn,
            Where one may find a rustic staff;
        To help him o'er the rugged lines
            If he to weariness inclines.
        Some see no beauties near to home,
            But do admire the distant far,
        They always love abroad to roam,
            View glory in but far off star;
        But let it never be forgot
            That distant hills when closer seen
        Are after all a barren spot
            Not like your own hills clad in green;
        You'll find they are but idle dreams
            To seek for happiness afar.
        At home there's lovely lakes and streams,
            Remain content now where you are;
        At us we hope you will not rage
            Because we sing of local charms
        In each varied town and village
            As well as round our local farms,
        But our address it must be brief,
            So now we bid you all adieu,
        But of our book pray read each leaf
            Until the whole you have gone through;
        Each one doth know it is not wise,
            Though our songs may not be vocal,
        Chants of our home for to despise,
            But prize them 'cause they are local.