Picturesque Quebec : a sequel to Quebec past and present Part 6

(Applause.) As Hawthorne and Longfellow, Holmes and Bryant, Cooper and Irving, and Motley did, and as our own John Reade (cheers) and Charles Roberts, a new poet whose star has just arisen, and Bourinot-- (cheers)--and the rest of them are doing now. We must forget the small localism which can do us no good, and join the great brotherhood of letters which writes the world over, in the English tongue. France, Germany and Russia, Italy and Spain teem with the grand work of their children. We who speak and write in the English language must not be unmindful of our several duties. We must work for the attainment of the great end, the development of English literature, of which we are as truly a part as the authors of the United States, of Scotland, of Ireland and of England. English literature does not mean simply a literature written solely by Englishmen. It takes its name from the fact that it draws its nourishment from all writers who write in English, and Scotchmen, Irishmen, Americans, and colonists, as well as citizens of England are invited to add to its greatness and permanency. I thank you Mr. Chairman and you gentlemen for your kindness and forbearance in listening to me so long, and so patiently.

(Loud continued cheering.)

Mr. Lemay, in replying for French literature, said--It is particularly agreeable to be called on to speak on this occasion because it affords me the opportunity to render to our host an evidence of the admiration and friends.h.i.+p which I bear towards him this evening. It is now over twenty years since we were together at College, and the same tastes which pleased us then govern us now. The same destiny which led us towards the bar guided us also on the paths of literature. The speaker here improvised a magnificent address to the genius of French-Canadian letters. He alluded to the first pages of Canadian history written in the blood of martyrs, thus giving to the Canadian people a literature of heroes. The speaker then traced the changeful epochs from the days of the soldiers of the sword to the warriors of the pen, and he drew forth loud applause as he alluded to the brave polemists who traced their literary endeavors in the brave work of defending their country and redeeming its liberties. In quoting Sir Geo. Cartier's well known line, "O Canada, my country and my love," ("O Canada, mon pays, mes amours,") the eloquent orator elicited the warm and hearty applause of the a.s.semblage. From the troublous days of 1837 to the present moment, Mr. Lemay reviewed the various efforts at literary renown of the French Canadian people, and concluded one of the finest speeches of the evening amidst the tumultuous applause of his sympathising auditors.

The next toast was that of the Literary and Historical Society and of the _Inst.i.tut Canadien_ of Quebec.

Mr. J. M. LeMoine, in replying to the first part of the toast said:--

GENTLEMEN,--In the name of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, I thank you cordially for the health just proposed--As the President of a society numbering close on 400 members, who though diverse in creed and language, are united for one common object--the promotion of culture and science and the encouragement of historical studies,--I cannot help feeling I stand here somehow in the character of a representative man. In tendering a welcome to Mr. Frechette, our honoured guest, I can add but little to the sentiments conveyed in the resolution adopted at our last meeting and which you have heard read.

In presence of so many distinguished persons, several of whom have made their mark, at the Bar--or on the Bench--the forum--in literature--in the bank parlor or in the counting house,--with so many fluent speakers here present and prepared to applaud, with all the graces of oratory and fervour of patriotism,--the distinction conferred on French Canada, by the highest literary tribunal in France--convinced myself of the honour which Mr. Frechette's laurels must confer on this ancient and picturesque Province of Quebec, with its glorious though yet unrevealed destinies, I feel proud as a Canadian in standing here, the bearer even of a solitary rosebud for the fragrant _bouquet_, which a grateful country offers this night to its gifted child. Alas! had not the relentless hand [32] of death--had not a self-imposed fate, darker even than death, removed from our midst, another "mind pregnant with celestial fire," Canada this night might possibly have counted two laurel-crowned poets--Louis Honore Frechette and Octave Cremazie. For I am not one of those who refuse to recognize Canadian talent; on the contrary, I feel myself moved to rejoice in our wealth of intellect. I am reminded to be brief; around me there is a surging stream of eloquence ready to burst through its floodgates. I must give way. With your permission, I shall therefore merely ask a question. What propitious turn of fortune?

which of the benign fairies who watched over his natal hour has Mr.

Frechette to thank for his present success? How came it to pa.s.s that, though he was born a poet, he should have to undergo an ordeal like another great poet (whom posterity may specially claim as an historian) the author of the "Lays of Ancient Rome," of emanc.i.p.ating himself from his earthy--at one time not burdensome--thraldom before soaring on the wings of poesy to that lofty region, where his cla.s.sic diction and lyric power attracted the attention of those worthy but fastidious gentlemen, yclept "The Forty Immortals of the French Academy." I have mentioned a very ill.u.s.trious name in the Republic of Letters,--a name as dear to Britain as that of our Laureate ought to be to Canada--that of Macaulay--historian, essayist, poet. You all know how his parliamentary defeat as candidate for Edinburgh in 1847, rescued him forever from the "dismal swamp" of politics, providing his wondrous mind, with leisure to expand and mature, in the green fields of literature. If New France has not yet produced such a gorgeous genius as he, of whom all those who speak Chatham's tongue are so justly proud, it has however out of its spa.r.s.e population of one million, put forth a representative whom Old France with its thirty- eight millions has deemed a fit subject to honour in an unmistakable way. Shall I tell you how, figuratively, if you should prefer, ended for Frechette the "day of tumult"?

That _Ignis Fatuus_, ambition, has allured, as you are aware, more than one youthful fowler to an uncertain swampy hunting ground, called "politics." Mr. Frechette was one of the unfortunate. This game preserve, I p.r.o.nounce "uncertain" because owing to several inexplicable eventualities sportsmen innumerable, therefrom return empty handed, whilst others, Mr. Chairman, make up, we know, pretty good bags. The Son of Apollo, whilst thus hunting one gruesome, windy morning, fortunately for us, sank in a boggy, yielding quicksand.

Luckily he extricated himself in time, and on reaching the margin of the swamp, there stood an old pet of his tethered as if waiting for its loved rider, a vigorous Norman or Percheron steed. Our friend bestrode him, cantered off, and never drew rein until he stood, panting perhaps, but a winner in the race, on the top of a mount, distant and of access arduous, called Parna.s.sus.

In conclusion, Mr. LeMoine quoted the memorable lines from Macaulay, written the night when his parliamentary defeat at Edinburgh, in 1847, restored him to letters:--

The day of tumult, strife, defeat, was o'er, Worn out with toil, and noise, and scorn, and spleen, I slumbered and in slumber saw once more A room in an old mansion, long unseen.

That room, methought, was curtained from the light; Yet through the curtains shone the moon's cold ray Full on a cradle, where, in linen white, Sleeping life's first sleep, an infant lay.

And lo! the fairy queens who rule our birth Drew nigh to speak the new-born baby's doom: With noiseless step, which left no trace on earth, From gloom they came, and vanished into gloom.

Not deigning on the boy a glance to cast Swept careless by the gorgeous Queen of Gain.

More scornful still, the Queen of Fas.h.i.+on pa.s.sed, With mincing gait and sneer of cold disdain.

The Queen of Power tossed high her jewelled head And o'er her shoulder threw a wrathful frown.

The Queen of Pleasure on the pillow shed Scarce one stray rose-leaf from her fragrant crown.

Still fay in long procession followed fay; And still the little couch remained unblest: But, when those wayward sprites had pa.s.sed away, Came One, the last, the mightiest, and the best.

Oh! glorious lady, with the eyes of light, And laurels cl.u.s.tering round thy lofty brow, Who by the cradle's side didst watch that night, Warbling a sweet strange music, who wast thou?

"Yes, darling; let them go," so ran the strain: "Yes; let them go, gain, fas.h.i.+on, pleasure, power, And all the busy elves to whose domain Belongs the nether sphere, the fleeting hour.

"Without one envious sigh, one anxious scheme, The nether sphere, the fleeting hour a.s.sign.

Mine is the world of thought, the world of dream, Mine all the past, and all the future mine.

"Of the fair brotherhood who share my grace, I, from thy natal day, p.r.o.nounce thee free; And, if for some I keep a n.o.bler place, I keep for none a happier than for thee.

"No; when on restless night dawns cheerless morrow, When weary soul and wasting body pine, Thine am I still in danger, sickness, sorrow, In conflict, obloquy, want, exile, thine;

"Thine where on mountain waves the s...o...b..rds scream, Where more than Thule's winter barbs the breeze, Where scarce, through lowering clouds, one sickly gleam Lights the drear May-day of Antarctic seas;

"Amidst the din of all things fell and vile, Hate's yell, and envy's hiss, and folly's bray, Remember me!"

_FORT ST. LOUIS, CHaTEAU ST. LOUIS, HALDIMAND CASTLE._

_CHaTEAU ST. LOUIS._

In Professor Kalm's saunter round Quebec, his description of the public edifices, in 1749, is worthy of note:

"The Palace (Chateau Saint Louis) says he, is situated on the west or steepest side of the mountain, just, above the lower city. It is not properly a palace, but a large building of stone, two stories high, extending north and south. On the west side of it is a court-yard, surrounded partly with a wall, and partly with houses. On the east side, or towards the river, is a gallery as long as the whole building, and about two fathoms broad, paved with smooth flags, and included on the outside by iron rails, from whence the city and the river exhibit a charming prospect. This gallery serves as a very agreeable walk after dinner, and those who come to speak with the Governor-General wait here till he is at leisure. The palace is the lodging of the Governor-General of Canada, and a number of soldiers mount the guard before it, both at the gate and in the court-yard; and when the Governor, or the Bishop comes in or goes out, they must all appear in arms and beat the drum. The Governor-General has his own chapel where he hears prayers; however, he often goes to Ma.s.s at the church of the _Recollets_, which is very near the palace."

Such it seemed, in 1749, to the learned Swedish naturalist and philosopher Peter Kalm. How many rainbow tints, poetry and romance can lend to the same object, we may learn from the brilliant Niagara novelist, William Kirby! In his splendid historical novel "Le Chien d'Or," whilst venturing on the boldest flights of imagination, he thus epitomises some striking historical features of the state residence of the French Viceroys of Canada.

"The great hall of the Castle of St. Louis was palatial in its dimensions and adornment. The panels of wainscoting upon the walls were hung with paintings of historic interest--portraits of the Kings, Governors, Intendants and Ministers of State, who had been instrumental in the colonization of New France.

"Over the Governor's seat hung a gorgeous escutcheon of the Royal arms, draped with a cl.u.s.ter of white flags, sprinkled with golden lilies--the emblems of French sovereignty in the colony; among the portraits on the walls, beside those of the late (Louis XIV.,) and present King (Louis XV)--which hung on each side of the throne--might be seen the features of Richelieu, who first organized the rude settlements on the St. Lawrence in a body politic--a reflex of feudal France; and of Colbert, who made available its natural wealth and resources, by peopling it with the best scions of the Mother Land--the n.o.blesse and peasantry of Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine. There, too, might be seen the keen, bold features of Cartier, the first discoverer, and of Champlain, the first explorer of the new land, and the founder of Quebec. The gallant, restless Louis Buade de Frontenac was pictured there, side by side with his fair countess, called, by reason of her surpa.s.sing loveliness, "The Divine." Vaudreuil, too, who spent a long life of devotion to his country, and Beauharnois, who nourished its young strength until it was able to resist, not only the powerful confederacy of the Five Nations, but the still more powerful league of New England and the other English Colonies. There, also, were seen the sharp intellectual face of Laval, its first bishop, who organized the church and education in the colony; and of Talon, wisest of Intendants, who devoted himself to the improvement of agriculture, the increase of trade, and the well being of all the King's subjects in New France. And one more portrait was there, worthy to rank among the statesmen and rulers of New France--the pale, calm, intellectual features of Mere Marie de l'Incarnation--the first superior of the Ursulines of Quebec, who in obedience to heavenly visions, as she believed, left France to found schools for the children of the new colonists, and who taught her own womanly graces to her own s.e.x, who were destined to become the future mothers of New France." (Page 109.)

It were difficult to group on a smaller and brighter canva.s.s, so many of the glorious figures of our storied past.

In the days of de Montmagny and later, the _Jesuits' Journal_ retraces gay scenes at the Chateau in connection with the festivals of the patron saints, of St. Joseph, whose anniversary occurred on the 19th March, and of St. John the Baptist, whose _fete_ happened on the 24th June.

For a long time the old Chateau, was the meeting place of the Superior Council.

"On any Monday morning one would have found the Superior Council in session in the antechamber of the Governor's apartment, at the Chateau St. Louis. The members sat at a round table, at the head was the Governor, with the Bishop on his right and the Intendant on his left.

The councillors sat in the order of their appointment, and the attorney-general also had his place at the board. As La Hontan says, they were not in judicial robes, but in their ordinary dress and all but the Bishop wore swords. The want of the cap and the gown greatly disturbed the Intendant Meules, and he begs the Minister to consider how important it is that the councillors, in order to inspire respect, should appear in public in long black robes, which on occasions of ceremony they should exchange for robes of red. He thinks that the princ.i.p.al persons of the colony should thus be induced to train up their children to so enviable a dignity; "and" he concludes, "as none of the councillors can afford to buy red robes, I hope that the King will vouchsafe to send out nine such; as for the black robes, they can furnish those themselves."

"The King did not respond, and the nine robes never arrived. The official dignity of the Council was sometimes exposed to trials against which even red gowns might have proven an insufficient protection. The same Intendant urges that the tribunal ought to be provided immediately with a house _of its own_."

"It is not decent," he says, "that it should sit in the Governor's antechamber any longer. His guards and valets make such a noise, that we cannot hear each other speak. I have continually to tell them to keep quiet, which causes them to make a thousand jokes at the councillors as they pa.s.s in and out. As the Governor and the council were often on ill terms, the official head of the colony could not always be trusted to keep his attendants on their good behaviour."

(Parkman's _Old Regime_, p. 273.)

At other times, startling incidents threw a pall over the old pile. Thus in August 1666, we are told of the melancholy end of a famous Indian warrior: "Tracy invited the Flemish b.a.s.t.a.r.d and a Mohawk chief named Agariata to his table, when allusion was made to the murder of Chasy. On this the Mohawk, stretching out his arm, exclaimed in a Braggart tone, "This is the hand that split the head of that young man." The indignation of the company may be imagined. Tracy told his insolent guest that he should never kill anybody else; and he was led out and hanged in presence of the b.a.s.t.a.r.d. [33]

Varied in language and nationality were the guests of the Chateau in days of yore: thus in 1693, the proud old Governor Frontenac had at one and the same time Baron Saint Castin's Indian father-in-law, Madocawando, from Acadia, and "a gentleman of Boston, John Nelson, captured by Villebon, the nephew and heir of Sir Thomas Temple, in whose right he claimed the proprietors.h.i.+p of Acadia, under an old grant of Oliver Cromwell."

(Parkman's _Frontenac_, p. 357.)

_FORT ST. LOUIS_

Ere one of the last vestiges of the _ancien regime_, Haldimand Castle, disappears, a few details culled from reliable sources may not be unacceptable, especially as by fire, repairs and the vicissitudes of time, the changes are so great, as to render difficult the delineation of what it originally formed part of in the past.

Grave misconceptions exist as to what const.i.tuted the stately residence of our former Governors. Many imagine that the famous _Chateau St. Louis_, was but one structure, whilst in reality, it was composed at one time of three, viz:--Fort St. Louis, Chateau St. Louis and Haldimand Castle, the present Normal School. The writer has succeeded in collecting together nine views of the Fort and Chateau St. Louis since the days of Champlain down to modern times. Champlain's "bra.s.s bell" is conspicuous in more than one of the designs.

According to Father DuCreux, the first fort erected by Champlain on the crest of the promontory, _arx aedificata in promontarii cuspidine_, was not placed on the site of Dufferin Terrace, but at the south-east point of the area, which is now occupied by the Grand Battery, north-east of the present Parliament building and looking down on Sault-au-Matelot street. Champlain subsequently removed it to a still more elevated site; its bastions, towers and ramparts surrounded the s.p.a.ce on which the former Governor's residence, soldier's barracks, magazine, &c., were constructed.

"The fortress, says Bouchette, (Fort) of St. Louis covered about four acres of ground, and formed nearly a parallelogram; on the western side two strong bastions on each angle were connected by a curtain, in the centre of which was a sallyport: the other faces presented works of nearly a similar description, but of less dimensions." [34]