The Icelandic Canadian - 01.12.1979, Qupperneq 14

12
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
WINTER 1979
CANADA
by Stephan G. Stephansson
(Translated by Thorvaldur Johnson)
Men long have believed, on their storm-beaten strand.
With its tempests unceasingly railing,
That far in the west there existed a land
Where sunshine and calm were unfailing.
Where seasons were kindly, and winds were at rest.
And men free and gentle — and all was for best.
Though failing a passage, with high-running hope
They stood on the ocean-shore dreaming,
While through the blue sea-mist they saw the sun slope
To the west where their dreamland lay gleaming,
And thoughts loosed by longing and hope they set free
To speed o'er the sunlit and wide-bosomed sea.
Though still foams the sea between far-distant lands,
It frights not now those who go faring.
And Canada, Markland of old, holds out hands
To all who have mettle and daring.
To Hellenes of old it was myth for an ode,
To the Icelandic sea-king it pledged an abode.
Still, hopefully, men turn their weary eyes west,
Of your bounty and affluence dreaming,
For well have you served them that loved you the best.
Your promises to them redeeming.
And all that Man’s spirit conceives as the best
May root in you firmly and there come to rest.
N. M. Paterson & Sons Limited
GRAIN MERCHANTS
AND DISTRIBUTORS OF COAL, TWINE, FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS
TERMINAL and STEAMSHIP OPERATORS
WINNIPEG - THUNDER BAY - MONTREAL
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