William Kirby (1817-1906)
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.
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Source: An Account of the Battle of Lundy's Lane, Fought in 1814,
Between the British and American Armies From the Best and Most Authorized Sources.
Niagara Falls: Niagara Publishers, 1947.
