Original (English)

I     IN the Acadian land, on the shores of the Basin of Minas,   Distant, secluded, still, the little village of Grand-Pré   Lay in the fruitful valley. Vast meadows stretched to the eastward,   Giving the village its name, and pasture to flocks without number.   Dikes, that the hands of the farmers had raised with labor incessant,   Shut out the turbulent tides; but at stated seasons the flood-gates   Opened, and welcomed the sea to wander at will o'er the meadows.   W