Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Susanna Strickland Moodie

Canadian Hunter’s Song

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS are flashing

On the rapids’ restless flow,

But o’er the wild waves dashing

Swift darts the light canoe:

The merry hunters come,—

“What cheer? What cheer?”

We ’ve slain the deer!”

“Hurrah! you ’re welcome home!”

The blithesome horn is sounding,

And the woodman’s loud halloo;

And joyous steps are bounding

To meet the birch canoe.

“Hurrah! the hunters come!”

And the woods ring out

To their noisy shout,

As they drag the dun deer home!

The hearth is brightly burning,

The rustic board is spread;

To greet their sire returning

The children leave their bed.

With laugh and shout they come,

That merry band,

To grasp his hand

And bid him welcome home!