Thomas Moore (1779–1852)

[Written on the River St. Lawrence]

FAINTLY as tolls the evening chime

Our voices keep tune and our oars keep time.

Soon as the woods on shore look dim,

We’ll sing at St. Ann’s our parting hymn.

Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast,

The rapids are near and the daylight’s past.

Why should we yet our sail unfurl?

There is not a breath the blue wave to curl.

But, when the wind blows off the shore,

Oh, sweetly we’ll rest our weary oar.

Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast,

The rapids are near and the daylight’s past.

Utawas’ tide! this trembling moon

Shall see us float over thy surges soon.

Saint of this green isle! hear our prayers,

Oh, grant us cool heavens and favoring airs.

Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast,

The rapids are near and the daylight’s past.