Laws A1

(Reconstructed text, using the British tune “The Blacksmith,” one of several melodies to which this song is sung.)

Curtis & Loretta recording:

James Wolfe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Love, here’s a diamond ring, long time I’ve kept it.
‘Tis for your sake alone, if you’ll accept it.
When you the token view, think on the giver.
Madam, remember me; I’m yours forever.

Then forth went this brave youth across the ocean.
To free Amerikay was his intention.
He landed in Quebec with all his party,
The city to attack, being brave and hearty.

Brave Wolfe drew up his men in a line so pretty,
On the Plains of Abraham before the city.
The French came marching down, resolved to meet them.
In double numbers round, resolved to beat them.

Montcalm and that brave youth together walkéd.
Between two armies they like brothers talkéd.
Then each one took his post, and did retire.
‘Twas then these numerous hosts commenced their fire.

Death of General Wolfe (Photo credit: Wikipedia). This famous image by Benjamin West was painted in 1770. It is inaccurate in several regards, but is historically important. Note that Wolfe is shown in a pose which, until then, had typically been reserved for Christ as he was taken down from the cross. It has been argued that West’s image helped start a trend toward increased worship of secular individuals. Think, say, pro sports stars….

The drums did loudly play, and the balls were flying,
The purple gore did flow, and men lay dying,
Then shot from off his horse was our brave hero.
We’ll long lament his loss, that day in sorrow.

Brave Wolfe raised up his head as the guns did rattle,
And to his aide he said, “How goes the battle?”
“Quebec is all our own; none can prevent it.”
Then answered that brave youth, “I die contented.”