Maple Leaf Rag to its publication, Joplin anticipated that the piece would be a success—he told Arthur Marshall that "The Maple Leaf will make me the king of ragtime composers". The exact circumstances which led to publication of the "Maple Leaf Rag" are unknown, and there are versions of the event which contradict each other. After approaching several publishers, Joplin signed a contract with John Stillwell Stark on August 10, 1899 for a $0.01 royalty on all sales of the rag, with a minimum sales price of $0.25. The "Maple Leaf Rag" was published between August 10 and September 20, 1899, when the
The Maple Leaf Forever We'll not break faith with glories past The torch we'll lower never A shining light to all the world The Maple Leaf forever. From Arctic land to Great Lakes strand Baie d’Espoir to Nootka Sound May patriot love unite us and True commonwealth be found; And may Canadians new and old Uphold the great endeavour And proudly wave from sea to sea The Maple Leaf forever. The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear The Maple Leaf forever And proudly wave from sea to sea The Maple Leaf forever. During the final game of the Toronto Maple Leafs at their former home