EVANGELINE

(by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)
This is the forest primeval.
The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,
Stands like Druids of old, with voices sad and prophetic,
Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms.
Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep-voiced neighboring ocean
Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.

This is the forest primeval; but where are the hearts that beneath it
Leaped like the roe, when he hears in the woodland the voice
of the huntsman?
Where is the thatch-roofed village, the home of Acadian farmers?
Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands,
Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven?
Waste, are those pleasant farms, and the formers forever departed!
Scattered like dust and leaves, when the mighty blasts of October
Seize them, and whirl them aloft and sprinkle them far o’er the ocean.
Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand Pre.

Ye who believe in affection that hopes, and endures, and is patient,
Ye who believe in the beauty and strength of woman’s devotion,
List to the mournful tradition still sung by the pines of the forest;
List to a tale of love in Acadia, home of the happy.

I love the classics! Don’t you? I loved studying the story of Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow back in High School. We had to memorize the opening few paragraphs, which I have written above. I am in the process of memorizing them again. I love the story of Evangeline and Miles Standish – plus way back in our bloodline we are related to Miles Standish on my mother’s father’s side. He was a real person. In the story he and Evangeline get married. Read this a few times and see if it isn’t some beautiful literature you would like to memorize. I am sure you will.

Enjoy!