The departure of
what was called the Grand Brigade was signalized by an artillery salute
from Fort Douglas, which resounded through the wretched ruins of the
houses burnt the previous year, and over the fields deserted by the
Colonists and left to the chattering blackbird and the howling wolf.
Almost every race of people--however small--has its bard. Among the
Bois-brules was the son of old Pierre Falcon, a French-Canadian, of some
influence among the natives. This young poet was a character. He had the
French vivacity, the prejudice of race, the devotion to the Scotch Fur
Company and a considerable rhyming talent. Many years after Pierre
Falcon won the admiration of the buffalo hunter and was the friend of
all the dusky maidens who followed his song of love or war alike. He it
was who sang the song of his race and helped to keep up the love of fun
among the French people of the Red River. It was reminiscent of victory
and also a forecast of future influence and power. Various versions of
Pierre Falcon's song have come down to us celebrating the victory of
Seven Oaks. We give a simple translation of the bard's effusion:
PIERRE FALCON'S SONG.
Come listen to this song of truth!
A song of the brave Bois-brules,
Who at Frog Plain took three captives,
Strangers come to rob our country.
Pages:
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139