Our Laureate Is A French-Canadian, But Our Fellow-Citizens Of
British Origin Have Joined With Us In This Manifestation Of Our Joy,
And Through Their Press, As At Such Gatherings As This, They Have
Spontaneously Recognized His Talent, Thus Showing Their Spirit Of
Justice And Their Enlightened Patriotism.
Party politics have ceased
their discordant cries to join unanimously in honoring our Laureate,
and this is a spectacle of consolation to the country.
No commentary
is required on this expression of our joy. It is, in itself, the most
eloquent of proofs that the citizens of Quebec, as well as those of
Montreal, in giving this festival to Mr. Frechette, have invited all
Canadians, in the largest acceptation of the word, to do him honour.
In concluding, as I know you are anxious to hear him address you this
evening, permit me to make a comparison. One of the most distinguished
of modern poets, Alfred de Musset, said in a moment of despair: -
"J'ai perdu ma force, et ma vie,
Et mes amis, et ma gaite:
J'ai perdu jusqu'a la fierte
Qui faisait croire a mon genie."
"'I have lost my strength and my life, my friends and my gayety,
almost my very pride, which made me believe in my genius.' We may say
to Mr. Frechette, as an offset to this cry of despair from one of his
elder poetic brethren: 'Courage! You have strength and life! More
friends than ever! An enthusiasm of gayety which is fathomless!
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