Eleven
years after the villages of Wellington Square had been combined to create a new
municipality, Burlington, the Hamilton Spectator carried the following flowery
poem. It was written by 1885 “O.N.” in tribute of Hamilton’s neighbour after a
summer day’s visit to that town across the lake.
Ode to
Burlington
Of
Burlington I fain would write,
And verses to its
praise indite;
But then I feel
such a theme,
With fruitless toil
for me would teem.
For I’m, ‘tis
clear, no practical bard,
And thus for me the
task is hard;
But since ‘fain
heart ne’er won the fair,’
I must set to and
not despair.
Now Burlington’s so
fair a place,
So rich indeed in
natural grace,
That all must feel
that here on earth
We have a gem of
precious worth.
How many here the
charms to ‘suage,
The cank’ring cares
of ashen age!
How many here the
blessings bright
That yield to
youthful years’ delight?
What flow’ring
fields! What pleasant dells !
What verdure
clothes the lovely vales!
What beauty from
the bright blue bells
That lend their
charm to thy fair dells.
Thy tree-clad mills
afford a sight
That fills man’s
heart with pure delight;
For hills above and
vales below
With countless
charms are all aglow.
Thy lake is draped in
richest blue,
Bright mirror of
the skies’ soft hue;
How cool the breezes
that o’er it plays
For those who flee
the sun’s warm rays.
Yes, Burlington, in thee we find
The highest joys
that charm the mind;
Thy dwellers round
true friendship show,
Thy cups with kindness
ever flow.
Farewell, choice
spot, I cannot tell
How deep o’er me
thou’st cast thy spell,
Feeling’s last rays
must from me part,
Ere thy fond mem’ry
leave my heart.
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