From The Plains of Abraham, an epic poem performed across Canada in 2 and 25 as part of the Rhapsodic Tour sponsored by the Dominion Institute. In this excerpt, Wolfe and Montcalm prepare for battle.

WOLFE

First he put on his woollen trousers • after that his linen shirtAnd then he found his leather boots • and pulled the silver buckles tightHe clothed himself in red • within that tent • and donned his tricorn cap; He seized his sword from off its peg • and slipped it to its golden sheath The sword by which he’d made his vow • to seize impregnable Quebec And last he took the cane of oak • he once had borne at Louisbourg;And yet he did not speak: • on each in turn • he rested his green eyes And terror filled those brigadiers • who did not dare to meet that gaze; For in his pallid face • beneath his brows • there gleamed a ghastly light.As when the sun runs south • in winter months • and yet the snow is slow And clouds let fall a rain of ice • which thickens on the naked woodAnd one by one the branches drop • and some are smashed and some are snapped And from the broken limbs • across the plain • there gleams a ghastly lightAnd men and women both lament • the ruin of the long-lived wood Just so the English brigadiers • lamented for the red-haired Wolfe As he alone went forth • with silent step • unto the army’s camp. MONTCALMSo now when all had found their places • by the town of bright Beauport Indeed the Marquis of Montcalm • now brought them to the field of war. As when, towards the west • where in the hills • the wild roses blowA warm wind from the rocky heights • descends to melt the crackling ice A winter wind, and yet to many • welcome as the breath of springAnd girls untie their braided hair • and on the grass the brothers box Just so the regiments of France • descended from the Beauport shore Behind the Marquis of Montcalm • the captain of the King of France; And in their midst the singers then • began to chant a cheerful song And they themselves had made the song • to glorify their generalsThe dark-haired Marquis of Montcalm • and Bourlamaque, and good Lévis And so they gladly sang • upon that day • before the citadelOf how the padre gave a speech • and cleansing absolution preached:His children could advance with pride • with Lord and Virgin on their side; How all were heroes on that day • or if there was a man to sayThe general had a tragic flaw • they’d break the dirty rascal’s jaw: Just so they gladly sang • upon that day • before the citadel;And so the Marquis of Montcalm • now brought them to the field of warHis handsome face was glad • for in his heart • he knew the hour had come When destiny would be decided • ’neath impregnable Quebec