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'U^^u.\ : le;: sk. i^',. t '*^ , * . * i'i FRONTENAC: OR €^t Itntarjiu nf % %ui\m. A METRICAL ROMANCE BY ALFRED B. STREET. From 6entley*s London Edition. NEW YORK: BAKER AND SCRIBNER, 145 NASSAU STREET AND 36 PARK ROW. * 1849. ^ • •■■■:' r •.t^'.t' ,. : . -Entered occording to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by VV'-' ' ^^ '^^*>^*" BAKER AND SCRIBNEU. '■ " In.lbe. Circle'* Office of the District Court of the United States for the Soutlicrn .i, -^ ■ ' District of New York Printed by G . W . B H N >: D I C T , 201 WjUiara street. B PREFACE. e Soutlicrn Our tale is based upon the following chapter of history : Tn the month of June, 1696, Count Frontenac, then Gev- ernor-General of Canada, assembled an army at Lachine^ a few miles from Montreal, for an expedition against the Iroquois, who, from the earliest settlement of the province, had been inimical to the French. r The army consisted of the regular troops, the habitans or militia of the province, and some of the Indian tribes, who were the allies of the French, and who entertained an hereditary hatred against the Iroquois, by reason of their nations having, in former times, been conquered by the Confederacy. Frontenac, with this army, ascended the St. Lawrence, in batteaux and canoes, carrying with him, in addition to light arms, cannon, mortars, and grenades. Making the customary portages, he reached Lake Ontario, VI PREFACE, coasted its eastern waters, ascended the Oswego River, crossed Onondaga Lake, and encamped upon its bor- ders. He then plunged, with his forces, into the vast wilderness, in search of the Iroquois. Arriving at the principal castle or village of the Onondagas, into whose particular canton or countiy he had penetrated, he found it deserted. Pushing farther then into the wilderness, Frontenac discovered nothing of his wild enemies, and finally, in disappointment, he retraced his march. On his return path, however, the Iroquois waylaid his steps, killed a number of his men, and did not cease their attacks until he had entirely left their territory. The Iroquois at that time consisted of five nations, viz.: the Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagas, and Senecas, occupying a territory which they figuratively called their •' Long House," extending from east to west over what is now the State of New York, from the Lakes Erie and Ontario to the Hudson River. These Indian nations had banded themselves into a League or Confederacy, at first for protection against their common enemies, continuing it afterwards for conquest. The tirne of the formation of this League is not known, PREFACE. Vll but is supposed to have been ages before the white man appeared amongst them, and it has given birth, on account of its value and importance, as well as its being involved in the mist of uncertainty, to a wild mythology con- cerning it amongst themselves. When Champlain first came to Quebec, he found the Confederacy at war with the Hurons and Adirondacks, then warlike and powerful nations. Having allied himself to the Adirondacks, he joined them in an expedition against the Iroquois ; and, by reason of the fire-arms he carried, then totally unknown to the warriors of the Confederacy, he was the means of defeating the latter on the borders of the very lake which now bears his name. This kindled an animosity against the French on the part of the Iroquois, which was never forgotten. Receiving, a few years afterwards, fire-arms in their turn from the Dutch, who, in the meanwhile, had penetrated the forests along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers in New York, the con- federated warriors commenced their attacks upon the French at every post and settlement. So serious did their inroads become, that at times the very province itself was in jeopardy. And not only did these warlike savages nnnoy the French, but they turned their arms against all the nei^h- Vlll PREFACE. boring tribes, driving the Hurons and Adirondacks, their former rivals, from their villages and hunting-grounds, and absolutely exterminating many of the savage nations around them. Pushing their conquests in all directions, they at length mastered every Indian tribe residing, not only in New York, but every other, as far as Carolina to the south, and the Mississippi to the west. The Governors- General of Canada made frequent incursions into their territory or Long House, but those incursions only served to stimulate the wrath of these haughty and powerful savages, without weakening their strength or diminishing their power. That strength and power had arrived at their height when Frontenac took the reins of command for the second time, in 1689. The Iroquois had now assumed so threatening an attitude, that this stern and proud noble thought it advisable to penetrate their fast- nesses and crush them, if possible, at a blow. Hence the expedition above detailed, which was, however, as fruitless as those of the former Governors-General De La Barre and De Nonville. In the meanwhile the Confederacy (its good-will and friendship having been transferred by the Dutch to the English) proved itself as faithful to Corlear, the name it PREFACE. IX gave to the English Governor, as hostile to Yon-non-de-yoh, its title for the Governor-General of the French. Con- sequently, in 1776, when the war of the Revolution broke out, true to their old friendship, the Iroquois sided with England. This led to the expedition of Sullivan, the American General, into the heart of their country. Sul- livan desolated their fields, destroyed their villages, and exterminated the warriors they brought against him. From this period they began to decline. With the return of peace, civilization commenced hewing down their forests, and taking possession of their hunting-grounds; and the unwelcome sight of the Pale-face met them in every direction beside their beautiful streams and romantic lakes. Their Long House, to use their own pathetic language, was broken open at both ends, and the storms of destruction made it desolate for ever. The Mohawks abandoned their lovely valley in a body, and settled upon Grand River, in Canada, on territory granted them by the British Government. The rest of the Confederacy, although it had been previously increased by the accession of the Tuscaroras, a reclaimed original tribe, gradually diminished, and has still continued to waste away, until now only a few individuals remain, haunting their smiling valleys, and hovering around thei. sparkling waters, mis- erablo spectres of the former greatness of the Iroquois. I* PREFACE. A few more years, and even they will disappear. The memory of the Confederacy only will remain to furnish fit theme for song and story, and one more melancholy instance of a once powerful and happy people entirely dis- appearing from the face of the earth. CONTENTS. CANTO FIRST. PAGE LUCILLE — FRONTENAC CANTO SECOND. THE IROQUOIS — THE CANADIAN SPRING — THE PEACE BELT — ON-ON-DAH-GAH — THE ATOTARHO — JISKOKO — ^THE MESSAGE — QUEBEC — THE CALUMET — THE TALK .... 23 CANTO THIRD. THE WAR SONG — THE. HUNTERS — THE BATTEAU — THE CARIG- NAN VILLAGE — THE BRIGANTINE 61 CANTO FOURTH. THE THANKSGIVING DANCE — THE DANCE OF THE GREAT SPIRIT — KAH-KAH — THE EXPEDITION — ^THE BIVOUAC — THE AB- DUCTION — THE RESCUE AND DEATH 89 CANTO FIFTH. THE INN OF THE CANOE — WE-AN-DAH — THF. SUMMONS — THE ENCAMPMENT — THE MARCH 126 Xll CONTENTS. CANTO SIXTH. PAGE THE WAR-HATCHET — THE WILDERNESS — ^THE CATARACT — ^THE SENECAS — A-GA-YEN-TEH — CAYUGA LAKE — ^THE CAYUGAS — ^THE ONEIDAS — THE STRAWBERRY DANCE — ^THE CANOE VOYAGE — THE MOHAWKs' SCALP DANCE .... 168 CANTO SEVENTH. THE MARCH — THE WAR-DANCE — ^THE COUNCIL — ^THE QUARREL — THE PRIESTESS — THE SACRED FLAME .... 189 CANTO EIGHTH. THE MARCH — THE MEETING THE MARCH — THE MOCCASIN- PRINT — THE NIGHT-WATCH 227 CANTO NINTH. THE BATTLE — THE TORTURE — THE DEFIANCE — THE DEATH — FRONTENAC — ^MAS8 FOR THE DEAD 256 FAGE HE AS OE 153 . 189 r- . 227 266 CANTO FIRST. LUCILLE, FRONTENAC. .■^« I ■'I CANTO FIRST. LUCILLE. I. Tvvas in June's bright and glowing prime The loveliest of the summer time. The laurels were one splendid sheet Of crowded blossom everywhere ; The locust's clustered pearl was sweet, And the tall whitewood made the air Delicious with the fragrance shed From the gold flowers all o'er it spread. II. In the rich pomp of dying day Quebec, the rock-throned monarch, glowed- Castle and spire and dwelling gray The batteries rude that niched their way Along the cliff, beneath the play Of the deep yellow light, were gay. And the curved flood, below that lay. In flashing glory flowed ; I Beyond, the sweet and mellow smile Beamed upon Orleans' lovely isle ; Until the downward view Was closed by mountain-tops that, reared Against the burnished sky, appeared In misty dreamy hue. III. West of Quebec's embankments rose The forests in their wild repose. Between the trunks, the radiance slim Here came with slant and quivering blaze ; Whilst there, in leaf- wreathed arbors dim, Was gathering gray the twilight's haze. Where cut the boughs the back-ground glow That striped the west, a glittering belt. The leaves transparent seemed, as though In the rich radiance they would melt. IV. Upon a narrow grassy glade. Where thickets stood in grouping shade, The light streaked down in golden mist. Kindled the shrubs, the greensward kissed. Until the clover-blossoms white Flashed out like spangles large and bright. V. This green and sun-streaked glade was rife With sights and sounds of forest life. LUCILLE. A robin in a bush was singing, A flicker* rattled on a tree ; In liquid fife-like tones round ringing A thrasherf piped its melody ; Crouching and leaping with pointed ear From thicket to thicket a rabbit sped, And on the short delicate grass a deer Lashing the insects from off him, fed. VI. Sudden he paused with lifted foot, Then, like an arrow, away he shot ; Robin and flicker and thrasher were mute ; The rabbit glided from the spot — The next an Indian, from the shade, Came bounding out upon the glade. , vn. A warrior was he, armed for strife, "With tomahawk and scalping knife Thrust through his wampum-belt ; The long lock crowned his shaven head ; Bare, save the belt, his form of red, And where around his loins was spread A stripe of shaggy felt. ♦Flicker is the common name for the Golden-winged Woodpecker of the American forests, t The Thrasher is the brown thrush of the American woods. 6 FRONTENAC. VIII. With head aside he stood intent An instant, then he stooped and bent His ear upon the ground ; Then looking forth with piercing eye, Entered a laurel thicket nigh So subtly, to the breeze's sigh More motion 'twould have found. IX. Silence fell deeply down once more, Till fluttering sounds among the trees Told that the woodland fright was o'er And soon would swell fresh harmonies. The robin's warble was renewed. The flicker's hammer tapped again. And once more through the solitude Rang out the thrasher's splendid strain ; But the sweet sounds had scarcely filled The place, when they again were stilled. On the green glade two figures came ; One of a tall and stalwart frame. With sword and plume and martial air ; The other scarce four summers old. Whose coal-black eyes and raven hair And features — though of loveliest mould,- O'er-tinted with a light red shade. Blood of the native race betrayed. LUCILLB. X. The soldier, on the grass reclined, Viewed the glad gambols of the child/ Who, to each impulse of her mind, Now, gave her shout of pleasure wild, As the rich red-bird in his flight Passed with a flash some streak of light Slanted in hazy sheen ; And now, with footstep bounding free, Chased the fleet squirrel to its tree. Across the sylvan scene. XI. Tired with her sports, at length the girl Paused at the leaning soldier's side, Brushed from his brow a silvery curl, And then her panting efforts plied, Until she bared his glittering brand, And sought to poise it in her hand. xii. Closer the child the senior drew And with delight caressed her head ; " Thou would'st have been a soldier too Had'st thou been born a boy ! " he said ; " Thy sire's brave blood within thee glowa Too strong for peaceful dull repose ; 8 FKONTENAC. And the wild nature I espy Of thy red mother in thine eye. Listen ! I 'il tell the tale again I told thee yester-night, When proudly on the battle plain France stemmed the dreadful fight, And heard at last the clarion strain Of victory crown her might ! And then commenced the legend old : The girl's red features flushed more red, Brightened her eye more wild and bold As on the story sped, Until with sight that fairly blazed. The blade with both her hands she raised And waved it o'er her head. 3 ^ XIII. At the first words, a thicket's screen Had moved behind the pair. And then two eyeballs fierce and keen Like spots of fire gleamed there ; Out came a scalp-lock — then a head — Then was put forth an arm of red, And, like the cowering panther's tread. The Indian left his lair. xiv. Stilly, as glides o'er earth a shade From bush to bush along the glade LUCILLE. The stealthy savage went : A snap, the girl half turned ; his crouch Was like the spider's, when a touch Its filmy snare has rent. Then, rising from behind the bank Where for an instant's space, he sank. Again he glided low ; The tremble of the leaves and grass Telling alone his snake-like pass. So viewless, silent, slow. 9 XV. Near and more near, with eyes of flame. The Indian creeping, creeping, came. Until he paused and drew His hatchet, then leaned quickly back And from his clutch in whirling track The glittering weapon flew ; It fell upon the soldier's head, Who, as gushed out a stream of red. Groaned deep, and started from his bed Convulsive to his knee ; In vain, in vain ; the hatchet drank Again his blood, and down he sank I3eneath his enemy. And, as in pangs of parting life The quivering soldier lay, The savage drew his gleaming knife And wrenched the scalp away. I 1 ; ; il ' ' Wi. I II ; " (. ■ it f 10 FRONTENAC. XVI. The child, transfixed in mute surprise, Had viewed the scene with staring eyes ; But, as the fearful Indian shred The scalp from off that honored head, Then, wakened from her trance, Lifting the weapon, at the foe She leaped, and sought to aim her blow With stern defying glance. XVII. The savage gazed ; across his brow A look gleamed proud and high ; *Twas vivid admiration now That glittered in his eye ; And with a guttural of delight, The child, again o'er whelmed with fright. But holding still the blade, He swept upon his stalwart arm. And, as she shrieked in wild alarm. Plunged with her in the shade, Leaving the scene to its repose In the soft hue of twilight's close. XVIII. Over the glade the ladened bee Darted straight forward to its tree ; Each bird low twittered on its perch ; The night-hawk flew in jarring search ; A. I PRONTENAC. The crow flapped o'er with solemn croak ; The f|og its clamorous piping woke ; The wolf drew out his plaintive howl ; Shout jd, in pauses brief, the owl ; Her wail set up the whippoorwill ; The tree-toad swelled its hollow trill ; The fire-flies shed, in thickening flight, Their gold-green intermittent light Until the gray and glimmering haze With fairy meteors seemed ablaze ; And once another deer stepped out, But as he stooped to feed, about He swerved with snort of dread, And through the darkening forest waste Dashed far away in frenzied haste There lay the bloody dead. II FRONTENAC. XIX. Reared on the cliff", at the very brink, Whence a pebble dropped would sink Four-score feet to the slope below, The Castle of St. Louis caught Dancing hues of delicate pink, With which the clouds c'erhead were fraught From the rich sunset's streaming glow. 12 Mf FRONTENAC. XX. Opposite, in the soft warm light The RecoUets* steeple glittered bright ; And tipped with gold was the Convent by, Whilst both threw a mantle of raven dye The broad Place d'Armes across, That up to the massive curtain lay. Save where a slanting and hazy ray. Shooting between the buildings gray. Streaked it with yellow gloss ; The bastions threw on the Castle court Crescents of shade, whilst the sallyport Open, was filled with a golden glare That made the sentinel's cuirass glow With transient flashing, as to and fro Trod he monotonous there. XXI. Within a room of the Castle, bright From a ray of rich ruby light. That caused great tremulous blots to fall On raftered ceiling and oaken wall. And touched the weapons in nooks arranged, Till keen quick winkings they exchanged, Frontenac sat at a massive desk. Carved all over with shapes grotesque. XXII. Around him were splendor and rudeness at strife, Signs of the savage and civilized life. FRONTENAC. 13 l£ere branched, for some gay garment's use, The broad flat antlers of the moose ; There, o'er some painting rich were hung Wampum in varied colors strung ; Whilst moccasin and blanket red By corslet and steel pike were spread. XXIII. A will, restraint that could not brook, And pride that downward frowned on all. Gleamed in his stern and haughty look And breathed around his figure tall, Although his bended eye and brow Were fixed in anxious musing now. XXIV. The Iroquois in their dread and might Stood frowning in his mental sight ; Onward and onward their power had pressed ; Upward and upward had risen their crest ; Nought in the woods now their might could oppose, Nought could withstand their confederate blows; Banded in strength and united in soul. They moved on their course with the cataract's roll. XXV. Wherever the banner of France was reared, The blood thirsty hate of the Braves appeared ; Kindled against Champlain when first Ilis lightning death on their sires had burst, Years had not quenched it, for never depart Tiiouglits of revenge from the Indian heart. 14 mONTENAC. XXVI, ^ Frontenac long, with care, had tried To win their kindness to his side ; But the stern Nations in disdain The proffered belt cast back again. If he uttered wrathful threat, With a taunting scorn 'twas met : And if he sent, in a burst of ire, A sudden foray of sword and fire, Everywhere up the wild warriors stood. And rushed in fierce joy to their banquet of blood. 1 I I XXVII, From ceiling and wall ihe light vanished away, The room now began to grow dusky and gray ; Sculptured desk and high-backed chair Strange wild figures seemed to wear ; Branching antlers round the wall Seemed to wax more wide and tall ; Weapons in their corners made Faint dull glimmeriugs in the shade : — Still sat Frontenac motionless, Still thought's burthen seemed heavy to press. Hark ! a sudden cry I a beat In the court of many feet — He glanced through the casement — amid a throng Of soldiers, a figure was borne along — A drooping figure, the glimmering light Yielding the outlines alone to sight. FRONTENAC. 15 # XXVIII. E'en as he looked the portal jarred, A hurried tap at the door was heard, — Hastily entered a pallid guard, With a soldier's salute at the bidding word ; " That form — whose is it ? — this stir why made ?" " The Sieur Lavergne's I he is" — " What ! speak I"—" Dead !"— « Dead I"— — " Found by the hunter Bizarre in the glade Where he used at sunset to ramble, with head Showing the knife of the Iroquois wild !" — " Dead I found in the glade I but where 's my child I Lucille I my daughter I together they left The castle at sunset I" The father bereft Struggled with groans that the soldier suppressed ; " Send the scouts quickly and bid them not rest Till the forests are scoured I let Count Lavergne Be brought in the room I" The spirit stern Of the warrior seemed again to sway. Whilst on the table they placed the dead, Lighted the cresset swung overhead, Then hastened with soft falling footsteps away. Seizing the hand of his early friend, Again did the soul of proud Frontenac bend ; He pressed that mangled and clotted head, There were the muscles all bare and red. "Those Iroquois fiends I" — he muttered low — "Lucille, Lucille, did the murderous blow " Fall too on thee ! ho I without there I haste I 16 FRONTENAC. Let the hunter Bizarre hi our presence be placed I — Tell me," as low the rough woodsman made Obeisance uncouth, *' didst thou traverse the glade ? Was there no other lying there ?" "None!" " Leave me !" No eye must behold his despair. The ruthless stern Frontenac bent o'er the dead With a heart from which all but deep sorrow was fled ; That arm, cold and stiff, had once sheltered his life In a whirlwind of bloody and desperate strife ; And Lucille, the loved child of Sa-ha-wee !* too gone I Must his winter of life be left cheerless and lone ! The Iroquois I up flashed his fury I he sprung, Clutched his sword until in its steel scabbard it rung ; And on through the room with quick gestures he strode. As though some fierce demon was plying his goad. XXIX. Scarce a fleeting three months glide Since his murdered Sa-ha-wee died, Struck by the hand of Ta-yo-neef whilst seeing, (So her Iroquois handmaid said). Seated upon Cape Diamond's head, Slowly the beautiful sunset fleeing From the landscape below her spread. " Yon-non-de-yoh's slave no more," Hissed the fierce Biave as his hatchet flashed o'er — " Die I" and gasping Sa-ha-wee fell ; Then pealing a bloody triumphant yell, .♦ " Sa-ha-wee" means " A Vino" in the On-on-dah-gah tongue, t "Ta-yo-nce" means " A Wolf" in the same tongue. FRONTENAC. 17 And spurning the shrieking attendant away, Off bore the chieftain the Ufeless clay. Ta-yo-nee ! her brother I and could it be That he again was the enemy ! The On-on-dah-gah fierce, whose hate To the French race had visited The vengeance of such dreadful fate Upon a sister's head ! And then the thoughts of that sister stole Like music o'er Frontenac's tortured soul. A captive brought to the shores of France By noble De Tracy with her sire, ^ In his stern bosom her fawn-like glance. Kindled at length delicious fire ; And when, heart-broken, her father died, He wooed the red maiden to his side ; In his gray castle beside the Rhone Five bright summers above them shone ; Decked with his Sovereign's trust, he bore His destinies then to Canada's shore With Sa-ha-wee and little Lucille ; and the moon That saw them drop anchor, her beautiful boon O'er the brow of the night had ceased scarcely to spread E'er the blood of the first was thus ruthlessly shed. XXX. And now too the fate of Lavergne I Lucille Torn from him I his over-wrought senses reel. But hark I on his ear a pealing swell ; The neighboring Recollets' vesper-bell ! And soon, through the open casement, song 18 FRONTBNAC. Comes like the blessing of peace along ; Pouring on his heart like balm, Spreading a delicious calm, Hushing every thought of pain, •' Mary Mother !" swelled the strain. " Mary Mother ! from thy dwelling Look with soft and smiling eye ! Us, thy humble suppliants telling Thou dost watch us from the sky. Ever be thy presence near us I Ever o'er us be thy care ! Mother of Him who perished ! hear us I Mary Mother, list our prayer. " Honored above all, yet lowly Bend the sweetness of thy brow, Mary Mother ! Virgin holy I On thy waiting children now. Let thy smile, sweet Mother ! cheer us ! To our souls thy blessing bear ! Mother of Him who perished ! hear us ! Mary Mother I list our prayer." He glanced without — the splendid moon Was climbing to her gorgeous noon ; The massive church and convent bright Reared their tall summits in her light ; Whilst on the court the castle laid The sharp cut blackness of its shade ; The sentry still with measured stride FRONTENAC. 19 Passed and repassed the portal wide ; All, all was beauty, light and peace, He felt his feverish throbbing cease. " Mary Mother !" seemed to bear Still upon the balmy air ; Now to rise along the sky, Now to tremble from on high ; Falling, swelling, echoing round, Till the moonlight changed to sound ; Sound that told of heaven above ; Sound that told of guardian love ; Off from his bosom rolled the gloom, The wrath, the anguish, the despair ; And in that still and lonely room The stern old soldier knelt in prayer. ■ END OF CANTO FIRST. CANTO SECOND. THE IROQUOIS. THE CANADIAN SPRING. THE PEACE-BELT. ON-ON-DAH-GAH. THE ATOTARHO. JISKOKO. THE MESSAGE. QUEBEC. THE CALUMET. THE TALK. 2* «* II I iiic^ari I M^:M u CANTO SECOND. THE IROQUOIS. I. Twenty-pour, years I a fleeting span In the fleeting career of man, Twenty-four years have passed along In the flow of my humble song. n. Oh the Eagle is swift when he sweeps from his height, With his wing to the wind, and his eye to the light. Darting on, darting on through his empire of air. With nought to oppose him — his pathway to share ; But the king of the sky would have drooped on his way E'er his wing could have measured the Iroquois sway. The League — the proud summit had clambered at length, Sought so long by their firm banded wisdom and strength ; Their Long House extended now, spacious and high. The branches its rafters, its canopy, sky. From Co-ha-ta-te-yah's* full oceanward bed, To where its great bosom Ontario spread. * " The Hudaon River" in the IroquoU tongue. *; 24 FRONTENAC. The fierce Adirondacks had fled from their wrath, The Hurons been swept from their merciless path ; Around, the Ottawas, hke leaves had been strown ; And the lake of the Eries struck silent and lone. The Lenape, lords once of valley and hill, Made women, bent low at their conquerors' will ; By the far Mississippi, the Illini shrank When the trail of the Tortoise was seen on the bank ; On the hills of New England the Pequod turned pale. When the howl of the Wolf swelled at night on the gale ; And the Cherokee shook in his green smiling bowers, When the foot of the Bear stamped his carpet of flowers. III. Death, death to the tribes that now lingered behind When the Iroquois young men came on like the wind. The forests were filled with aff'right and despair When the whoops of the Braves keenly rolled on the air ; They looked — at their frown the whole region grew black ; They rose — and their way was the hurricane's track. IV. Stern Frontenac saw, from the walls of Quebec, This flood from the woods dashing on without check. His forts were surroundod, his outposts were burned, French blood he saw fl( wing wherever he turned. Now here, and now there, as clouds flash in their strife, Was the dart of the foeman, the flash of their knife ; The hunter, whilst tracking the Hudson Bay snow Tn search of the ermine, sank under their blow ; THE IROCIUOIS. 25 The settler whilst plying his axe in the wood, At the skirts of Quebec, dyed the earth with his blood ; The batteauman, pushing his craft to its goal Up the swift Cataraqui,* fell dead at his pole ; The sentry, whilst guarding Fort Frontenac's wall By Ontario's waters, felt death in the ball ; The fur trader, skimming with blanket and bead The Lake of the Ilurons, was followed to bleed ; Blood crimsoned the earth, and cries burthened the air, Until Frontenac, lashed into maddening despair. Raged round like the lion foes gird in a ring. His mane bristling fierce, yet in doubt where to spring, Here opening his roar and there glancing his eye, With the circle still growing more threatening and nigh. V. The proudest of all in the hostile array Was young Thurenserah.t the Dawn of the Day, The League's Atotarho ! the boldest in fijrht ! The wisest in council I in form the most bright I The fleetest of foot, the most skilled in the chase ! The glory and boast of the Iroquois race I Day after day to fierce Frontenac's ear Was the name of the chieftain borne loudly by fear ; With the rush of the blast trod the Brave on his path. Slaughter and flame were the marks of his wrath ; In the silence of midnight his war-whoop arose ; In the brightness of noonday were stricken his blows ; * The namo of the River St. Lawronco in the Iroquoi.9 tongue. t '• Thurenserah" ligniHei in the On-on-doh-gah langusjjw «' the Dawn of Day." •41 FRONTENAC. Woe to the French ! for a demon seemed sent On its way of dark horrors wherever he went ; Woe to the French ! for the hatchet he bore Wearied not, spared not, streamed ever with gore ; Woe to the French I for their ramparts of stone Saved them from utter destruction alone. THE CANADIAN SPRING. VI. 'Twas May I the Spring with magic bloom Leaped up from Winter's frozen tomb. Day lit the river's icy mail ; The bland warm rain at evening sank ; Ice fragments dashed in midnight's gale ; The moose at morn the ripples drank. The yacht, that stood with naked mast In the locked shallows motionless When sunset fell, went curtseying past As breathed the morning's light caress. The woodman, in the forest deep. At sunrise heard with gladdening thrill, Where yester-eve was gloomy sleep. The brown rossignol's carol shrill ; Where yester-eve the snowbank spread The hemlock's twisted roots between, He saw the coltsfoot's golden head Rising from mosses plump and green ; 4 )1 THE CANADIAN SPRING. 27 Whilst all around were budding trees, And mellow sweetness filled the breeze. A few days passed along, and brought More changes as by magic wrought. With plumes were tipped the beechen sprays ; The birch long dangling tassels showed ; The oak still bare, but in a blaze Of gorgeous red the maple glowed ; With clusters of the purest white Cherry and shadbush charmed the sight Like spots of snow the boughs among ; And showers of strawberry blossoms made Rich carpets in each field and glade Where day its kindliest glances flung. And air too hailed Spring's joyous sway ; The bluebird warbled clear and sweet ; Then came the wren with carols gay, The customed roof and porch to greet ; The mockbird showed its varied skill ; At evening moaned the whippoorwill. Type of the Spring from Winter's gloom I The butterfly new being found ; Whilst round the pink may-apple's bloom Gave myriad drinking bees their sound. Great fleeting clouds the pigeons made ; When near her brood the hunter strayed With trailing limp the partridge stirred ; Whilst a quick feathered spangle shot Rapid as thought from spot to spot Showing the fairy hummingbird. 28 FRONTENAC. THE PEACE-BELT. VII. In the same room where Frontenac stern Heard the loss of Lucille and the death of Lavergne. Twenty-four rapid years ago ; In this same room were his footsteps bent To and fro, to and fro ; Over his visage shades came and went ; Now thought in his wrinkles crouched low like a snake, Now venomous fury all up and awake, Now death-like pallor, now crimson glow. Those years had dimmed his eye's quick flame, Whitened his brow, and bent his frarae. For more than the threescore-and-ten had been given, Whether in favor or anger, by Heaven, Within these years had the staff of command Been wielded by another's hand. But once more at his sovereign's word O'er Canada's destinies stood he lord. VIII. To and fro, to and fro, Frontenac strode through light and shade Hastily, heavily, still and slow. As thought or passion within him swayed. Now, chafing fierce, and treading high, Like a roused lion in his den ; THE PEACE-BELT. 29 Now, like the panther creeping nigh The hunter slumbering in the gleu. He I governor of the province I he The sport of Iroquois enmity I He clenched his teeth, and his sword half drew, Whilst darkened his brow to a swarthy hue : " Oh, that this young Thurenserah stood Before me, e'en in his native wood, This aged arm — but slumber pride, 'Twere best to win him to my side." He stamped his foot " Without that wait I" A guardsman in his presence bent ; " Ta-wen-deh* bid attend us straight !" Then on again the stridings went. The door re-opened ; with a tread Noiseless as snowflakes in their fall And bowing scarce his haughty head, Near came an Indian grim and tall. With one proud step the noble met This Huron runner of Lorette, Holding a wampum belt in sight, Of braided colors black and white. " Ta-wen-deh ! take this belt of peace ; Rest not till Thurenserah's found ; Tell him, we wish the storm to cease ; The hatchet bury in the ground. Tell him, the Atotarho proud. Forgetting enmity and wrath, Tho Otter'' in tho Huron tongue. 80 FRONTENAC. Should from our sky sweep every cloud, Should clear all briers from off our path. Tell him to seek this lodge of stone, Where oft the council fire has shown ; That Yon-non-de-yoh asks a talk The tree of peace between to set. Beneath to smoke the calumet. And wipe from blood the tomahawk I" ON-ON-DAH-GAH. IX. The sunset, from his rainbow throne, On On-on-dah-gah Hollow shone. A double ring of palisade Enclosed within one half its bounds A round-topped Indian village, made Of mats and branches ; scores of mounds Told that the other yielded space To the thrice hallowed burial-place ; Thence maize, ris'n newly, spread each way, (Save where the usual ball-green lay,) The earth-domes tipped with golden glow ; The whole shaped like the Indian bow By the curved forest, and a stream That stretched below its sunset gleam. Along the castle's beaten square, Displaying marks of skill and care. ON-ON-DAH-GAH. The dread, renowned Tcar-jis-ta-yo Extended its long log-built frame ; Shrining with the Sacred Flame, Which burned with never-ceasing glow. Type of the ancient league that bound The five Red Nations into one, Ages had seen its light cast round Successive forms of sire and son In countless councils bearing part : The Feast of Union every year Renewing by the radiance clear The tie in each confederate's heart. 31 :l: XI. Ever on high the smoke-cloud streamed. In summer's sun it richly gleamed ; Against stern winter's sky of gray In wreaths condensed and pale it lay ; In midnight's hushed and solemn gloom It touched the heavens with sable plume ; Like ocean's surges wild it cast Its rolling fragments on the blast ; And pointed upward deep and proud Toward the black frowning thundercloud. XII. All eyes, but one, were barred the Flame, Save when the Feast of Union came ; And if the portal oped perchance, Or, through some crevice, streaks of red )2 *'• FRONTENAC, Broke out, away was turned the glance, Quick from the precincts passed the tread. XIII. Unceasing sustenance it found From the vast forests spread around. The boy had seen it with awed sight ; It shone upon his locks of white ; Still glowed its undiminished light When death its trophy won ; Another generation passed, And still the ruddy gleams were cast, Un wasted as the sun. * i» * -'^1 XIV. A priestess watched with tireless care That the pure splendor of the fire Should never, day nor night, expire, And always was her presence there. The Atotarho's mother — she Cherished with pride the dignity To keep alive the blaze ; And, save for him, her heart had not A thought or wish beyond the spot So sacred to her gaze. XV. Once every year a glowing brand. Whose sparkles from the Flame had birth, Was borne by To-ne-sah-hah's hand THE ATOTARHO. 38 * ^ To every On-on-dah-gah hearth ; And there again the wigwam-fire, For this end suffered to expire, At the brand's touch its radiance threw The hearth thus sacred made anew. Emblem how all is cold and black When Hah-wen-ne-yo's smile is o'er, And then how warm and bright, when back Flashes his glorious glance once more. Thence through the Long House went the tread Of the gray priest, the brand made red By the whirled wheel, and everywhere Again he made the dark hearths bright With the fire-emblem, whilst the air Rang with the usual festal rite. THE ATOTARHO. XVI. Upon the square's opposing side The Atotarho's lodge arose I Its domed shape also, greater pride And skill displaying far than those On either side the space that flanked. And into ways broad trodden ranked, Each warrior's totem rudely cut Above the porch of every hut. With narrow transverse lanes between, Till the slant pickets closed the scene. 34 I'ftONTENAC. XVII. The entrance of the lodge before Hung a gigantic panther skin (Spoi' of the Atotarho's might Won in a desperate mountain fight,) Whilst beaver furs the earthen floor With delicate softness robed within. The walls with deerskins were o'erspread, White as the snow the lake-marsh shed. I' spending from moose-antlers, shone The League's great Calumet, its stem Plumed like the feathery diadem The Atotarho on his throne Of branches in the square displayed, When for the Union Feast arrayed. XVIII. His own rich pipe was hung below, Its bowl and stem one general glow With thickly pictured tints of red, Telling of actions stern and dread. On one side was the bearskin couch, Above, it his fusee and pouch ; Around were ranged the war-club strong And curved, with its wrist-looping thong ; The bow with deeds all over dyed. The flint-head arrows at its side ; Leggings of crimson, mantle felts ; THE ATOTARIIO. Snowy and purple wampnm-belts ; Moccasins quillecl in rainbow hue ; Broad sinewed snow-shoes ; girdles blue ; Sharp scalping-knives and hatchets keen ; And Feast-crown rich in feathery sheen ; Whilst from the floor a sapling sprung With human scalps upon it strung ; Age's gray locks, long woman's hair, Ch 'dhood's and manhood's blended there. 85 XIX. No wife the warrior's wigwam shared. His venison or his maize prepared ; No gentle accent welcomed him When from the chase came weary limb ; No soft hand bound his wounds when back Returned from battle's bloody track ; Sweet woman's eye — that household star, Driving all household gloom afar — Within his bleak walls never shone ; The Atotarho lived alone. ;; i XX. And yet more bright each maiden's glance When moved his figure in the dance ; More eager bent each listenins; ear When rose his war-song high and clear ; Each maiden's tongue was loud to tell His feats, so bold, so terrible. The foemen slain, the castles won, Within the frequent war-path done. 36 FRONTENAC. XXI. When through the ways and lanes he went, Dark sparkhng eyes were on him bent ; Soft hearts beat wheresoe'er he trod ; Sweet cheeks blushed sweeter at his nod ; For as the League's young men beyond In deeds, in beauty was he too ; But yet affection's gentle bond The graceful warrior never knew. He — the proud Atotarho — kept No thoughts within his heart for love ; His spirit with the eagle swept. It cowered not to the cooing dove. JISKOKO. XXII. Still for that nature stern and high, One loveliest of the maiden train, In .secret heaved the burning sigh, In secret felt the tender pain. Her mother, captive in some strife. In youth had been a white man's wife. Then, hurried to a bloody grave By a fierce On-on-dah-gah Brave, Who said she had forij^ot her pride To slumber by a Frenchman's side ; And in another war-path brought The infant to her tribe, that she. i] JISKOKO. 37 Though with the hated blood so fraught, An On-on-dah-gah still should be. XXIII. Since, eighteen Springs their blossoms sweet Had twined around Jiskoko's* feet. Her large soft elk-like eye the race Of the Ho-de-no-sonne showed, Whilst on her sunny cheek the trace Of her pale lineage — rose-like — glowed. She followed ever with her eye The Atotarho passing by ; Whene'er his look was on her turned, Her downcast brow with blushes burned ; In the wild dance she marked his grace. Her whole roused soul within her face ; Whene'er he struck the battle-post, She hung delighted on his boast ; When on the war-path stern he went, She'd frequent hide to weep the while ; But when his scalp-whoop high he sent. Returning, oh ! how bright her smile ; And the glad maidens she would leave, As if for very joy to grieve. Then when she joined the praising throng. Amidst the tinkling Indian lute. Or the loud swell of joyous song, To him, she, she alone was mute. * " Tha Robin" in On-ondth gab. 1] lis :4 38 FRONTENAC. Yet there, e'en there, so seeming cold. The sigh and blush their story told. But though the Atotarho blind To her deep love appeared, his tone And look were ever, ever kind, Telling warm friendship held the throne. XXIV. Thus, while Jiskoko loved in vain, She wildly was beloved again, By Kah-kah* of fierce desperate mood. Whose fiery will and vengeful blood Caused her to shudder and turn pale. Whene'er he told his hated tale. XXV. His sire Ska-nux-heh f was a Brave,. Noted, yet to vile passions slave. Treacherous, blood-thirsty as a wolf. Yet full of deep deceit and guile, A calm look veiled the boiling gulf, Murder was hidden in his smile. But still, when on the war-path rushed His feet, so just his after boast. All blame was in his praises hushed, The wretch was in the warrior lost. Kah-kah meant "a Crow " in the On-on-dah-gah tongur t Ska-Box-hah Baana " a Fox" in GB-oo-dah-gah. t! I r THE MESSAGE. 99 I .' THE MESSAGE. XXVI. The sun his journey bright had bent So low, a level ray he sent, Tipping the forests with the glow, Whilst twilight gathered gray below. XXVII. Upon the pleasant outside green Two she utr 7 bands, the gates between. With thei' o.d rackets, sent on high The ball now soaring to the sky, Now falling, to again be caught And sent aloft with speed of thought, Ever upon its whizzing wing As though it were a living thing. XXVIII. Here, through the alleys, warriors bore Short scarlet cloaks their shoulders o'er, Arrow and bow in either hand. Yet wearing nought of war's command ; There, others strove in mimic fray. Wrenching the fancied scalp away, Casting their tomahawks about, Aud quavering war-whoops pealing out. 40 PRONTENAC. XXIX. Boys also in the mocking strife Whirled the dull hatchet, aimed the knife ; Whooped shrill, the scalp in gestures rent, From the twanged bow the arrow sent. Or, with strained strength, and flying feet. Shot on, the distant goal to greet. Whilst with their pipes the old men sat. Each at his entrance on his mat. XXX. Upon the straggling trees that flung Their boughs outside, upon the maize, Infants in their lashed back-boards hung Asleep, or with dull patient gaze ; Whilst grouped their mothers gossipping, The corn to golden powder pounding. Drawing the water from the spring, Or the kunatah's* flame surrounding. XXXI. Over the river's surface flew Youths in the rapid birch canoe ; Or floated for their finny prey ; Or lurked, the feeding duck to slay. * •' A K«ttl« " in the On.on.dah'gah tongue. THE MESSAGE. 41 XXXII. Suddenly mid the maize, where led A pathway to the neighb'ring shades, A stranger's form was seen to tread, Approaching toward the paUsades, And lifting, as he came, on high Wampum of black and snowy dye. A ringing whoop of warning swelled From those the figure that beheld. The ball plunged down, and lay in sleep ; The mock fights ceased, ceased whoop and leap ; The warriors checked their sauntering stride ; Sought the canoes the river side. XXXIII. The comer was an Indian tall, And on him curiously gazed all ; Grave through the palisades he passed, And paused within the square at last. XXXIV. There followed too the villase crowd ; And, though the warriors silent gazed. The women, boys, and children loud Their voices in enquiry raised. But mid the wild and chattering din, The grim and frowning panther skin Of Thurenserah's lodge was reared, And at the threshold he appeared. ! ir^ 42 TRONTENAC. XXXV. Of beauty high and rare was he ; A deer-skin shirt of white was spread Close round his frame from neck to knee, Meeting his leggings richly red. Delicate were his features, yet A haughty soul was in them set ; The customary paint in trace Of red and black was o'er his face ; And while a slender form he reared. Lithe as a panther's it appeared. XXXVI. Upon his heart his hand he pressed. And to the stranger bowed his crest ; Then to the Hah-yah-do-yah* said. Who near him stood, *' my Sachems call I" Next to the stranger, " come !" his tread Bent toward the palisaded wall, Where the long council-house appeared Beneath a row of hemlocks reared. XXXVII. They entered, soon the Sachems came ; The circle crouched upon the floor ; The pipe its customed circuit bore ; And then the stranger reared his frame, * The <■ Fipe-bearpr." or aid to the Atotarho. THE MESSAGE. 48 Extended in his brawny hand The wampum, and in accents bland To Thurenserah said, who sat In front upon his tufted mat, " Ta-wen-deh Yon-non-de-yoh's talk To the great Atotarho brings ; He seeks to plant the tree of Peace, Water it, bid its bough: .tCi- *. And then to hide the tomahawic Under the pleasant shade it flings, And hard the earth above to tread. Until it is like rock o'erspread ! Then round the tree lock Friendship's chain, And never let it break again. ' Great Atotarho, come I' says he, ' To my stone lodge upon the rock. And there together will we lock This chain unbroke and bright to be, Until the grass shall cease to grow, Until the waters cease to flow ! ' " ;- -i ^^1 •I XXXVIII. A guttural quick •* yo-hah!" awoke From the dark ring ; still no one spoke ; Once more the pipe breathed round its smoke. Then Thurenserah rose ; His eye each Sachem's countenance Sought, and each Sachem to his glance Said " good," and his repose Vanished into a lofty air ; 44 FRONTENAC. His head he reared, his arm he spread, " Good words speaks Yon-non-de-yoh"*said, " The Atotarho will be there I" QUEBEC. XXXIX. The fresh May morning's earliest light, From where the richest hues were blended, Lit on Cape Diamond's towering height Whose spangled crystals glittered bright, Thence to the castle roof descended. And bathed in radiance pure and deep The spires and dwellings of the steep. Still downward crept the strengthening rays ; The lofty crowded roofs below And Cataraqui caught the glow, Till the whole scene was in a blaze. The scattered bastions — walls of stone With bristling lines of cannon crowned, Whose muzzles o'er the landscape frowned Blackly through their embrazures — shone. Point Levi's woods sent many a wreath Of mist, as though hearths smoked beneath, Whilst heavy folds of vapor gray Upon St. Charles, still brooding, lay ; The basin glowed iu splendid dyes Glassing the glories of the skies. And chequered tints of light and shade The banks of Orleans' Isle displayed. li!! aTTEBEC. 45 XL. To active life the scene awoke ; A brigantine her canvas spread, And as her sailor-songs outbroke Down toward the southern channel sped. A coureur in his bark canoe From Skannadario's boundless blue, Measured his oars, as swift along He glided, to his frontier song ; And a batteau forth slowly slipped Its little wooden anchors tripped. The boatmen at their poles low bending Their chorus in rude music blending. : : !{ XLl. Quebec's great thoroughfare within Rose to the usual stir and din : With flowing plume, and mantle gay. The mounted noble went his way ; C haunting, with crucifix on high, A train of monks swept slowly by ; With pike and corslet, grim and scarred, And measured step, on strode a guard. Coureurs de bois, loud chattering, went Beneath their packs of peltry bent ; The half-blood scout, with footstep light, Passed glancing round his rapid sight ; Hurons quick bore, with loping tread, Rich beavers toward the trader's shed ; 3* 46 FRONTENAC. Woodmen with axes in their hands, Hunters ".vith hounds and rifles long, And rough batteaumen, grouped in bands, On sauntering, swelled the motley throng. XLII. Suddenly rose a murmur through The busy street ; a word passed on ; Eyes glanced around ; together drew In groups the crowd ; with visage wan At doors and windows mothers pressed Their screaming infants to their breast ; Here, with clenched teeth men grasped the knife, As if to rush on desperate strife ; Whilst others, there, cast looks of fear On wives and children shuddering near ; What word was that, so quick had made The sun-bright scene so dark with shade ! 'Twas '• Thurenserah I " uttered now In whispers deep, with cowering brow. And spoken now in anger loud With hand tight clasped and bearing proud. " Ha ! here he comes I " exclaimed the scout, " See how he throws his glance about! " " The dog ! here, midst us, in Quebec I " Muttered the noble, sudden check Giving his steed, " as proud his feet As though the forest leaves they beat ; He seems to beard us with that tread. And how he lifts his haughty head ! " aUEBEC. 47 " The demon ! see his glittering knife I " Murmured a female casting look On her pale child who by her shook, " Christ save us from his murderous strife ! " " St. Francis, keep it far away I " Exclaimed a passing Recollet. " Ho, comrade I " a batteauman said, " How feels the scalp upon your head ! Creeps it, as on that stormy night We tugged upon St. Peter's lake When the moon showed with fitful light That fearful savage in our wake ? " " Milet ! dost thou remember Roux, Scalped by this fiend in his canoe ? " A coureur asked, his bended back Freeing an instant from his pack : " Ashes are where Moyne's cabin stood, And his the torch that waked the fire, His hatchet drank Le Renault's blood, His stake saw La Montayne expire, The time our village in the dell A prey to his wild fury fell !" A rough Cari2;nan settler said, In a low ^ice of rage and dread, To a fur-trader at his shed ; " Allaire ! I 'd give a year to strike That haughty Indian with my pike ! " A youthful guardsmari fiercely cried, To an old veteran by his side, " Hush Merle ! the Calumet behold. Besides there tread his followers bold! " %, •^^ i >t m ,'#" It. 48 PRONTENAC. Such sounds proclaimed the warrior's way, Rising and sinking as hi? feet Passed crouching hut and building gray, That walled the long and winding street. THE CALUMET. XLIII. On came the Atotarho's tread, Leading the file ot his tawny band ; Like the crest of the elk rose his haughty head, Whilst high he lifted in his hand That sign of peace, the Calumet, So sacred to the Indian soul, With its stem of reed and its dark red bowl, Flaunting with feathers white, yellow, and green, Which seemed as if jewels were over them set, As they glanced to the sun in their changeable sheen. XLIV. Courage that danger ne'er disturbed, And a proud spirit never curbed, Were throned upon his forehead bold, And in his dark wild glance were told. His usual close white robe he wore, Its hue in emblems nearly lost ; A short fusee his shoulders crossed ; His head the bristling scalj -lock bore ; THE TALK. A heron plume of snow hung o'er ; (Memorial of that bird that swept Its way to Hah-yoh-wont-hah dread, And whose pure plumage long was kept To deck the bravest warrior's head.) Behind, his mat hung, richly dyed, And dangling loosely at his side. His pouch of rabbit skin was seen ; His limbs bright crimson leggings graced, Worked moccasins his feet encased. And in the sunshine gleaming keen. His hatchet o'er his mat was slung. Whilst his long knife before him hung. 49 n 1 : ! :' i t 1 "' ; 'j f i, XLV. His warriors also bore fusee, Hatchet and knife, with bearing proud ; But not a sign showed enmity, " Hai I hai !" they sounded oft and loud. Thus down St. Louis' Street, that led To the Place d'Armes all slowly sped. And there they checked their lofty tread. THE TALK. XLVI. The castle's council chamber, long And narrow, raftered low and strong On a raised chair sat Frontenac, A score of nobles at his back, •«ff' 50 TRONTENAC. Whilst pikemen in two rows before Stretched to the threshold of the door. XLVII. The sunshine through the casement streamed, Filling with golden glow the room, On corslet, casque, and pikehead gleamed. And danced on sword, fusee, and plume. But the wide portal open flew ; Five forms strode up the avenue, By the grim bristling pikemen made. The file the Atotarho leading. The rest close after, each a Brave, In a Brave's weapons each arrayed, Seeming to see nought, stern and grave, Yet subtly every object heeding. XL VIII. As Thurenserah slowly passed, Around his eagle look he cast, Smiling with scorn as pike and gun Flashed all around him in the sun. No pause he made, until his tread Placed him two paces from the cliair Where Frontenac, with kindling air, Sat gazing ; then in broken speech, Whilst swept his arm a haughty reach. The youthful warrior said : " Great Yon-non-de-yoh whispered « Come ! * To Dawn of Day, and he is here. THE TALK. 51 E'en in great Yon-non-de-yoh's home ; The Atotarho knows not fear, For a great Brave is Dawn of Day : What doth my Canada father say V* XLIX. A breathless pause ; at length 'twas broke By Frontenac, as thus he spoke : •' My Sachem, dwelling o'er the sea, To his red children speaks through me — Why should the Ongue-Honwee host Against me strike the battle-post ! Why should my young men vainly cry For succor at their burning stake ! Why should my lightnings round them wake, Bidding their boldest warriors die ! Why should our pathway with a cloud The brave Ho-de-no-sonne shroud I I listen as the west wind comes, Its errand in my ear it hums ; It says — I bear the shriek and groan From distant Missillimakinak To Yon-non-de-yoh's lodge of stone, A dreary, long, and bloody track. These things have riven my heart with pain, But let us now make bright the chain. We'll smoke the Calumet together, And on our path will rest the glow. The .soft warm glow of Summer weather, '• I I 58 FRONTBNAC. Not Winter's chillinsr robes of snow. This belt preserves my words I We'll plant the peace-tree deeply now, So that its shade shall steep each brow ; And no more let the 'fires of wrath Be kindled in the battle-path By deeds or singing-birds. See, Thurenserah ! yon bright pile Of gifts will make thy warriors smile ! Fusees, to bring the fleet moose low : Rackets, to hunt him in the snow ; Blankets, within whose downy fold. The sires can brave the bitterest cold ; Sashes, to bind the robes of skin ; Beads for the tawny moccasin ; Trinket's to make the squaws more bright ; Paints fitting warriors for the fight ; Powder and ball, to scathe with flame The foe, and heap the lodge with game ; Leggings that match the ruddy blaze ; Kettles to boil the golden maize ; And look ! let Thurenserah spread Round him this mantle rich and red, Worthy an Atotarho's sight. Who's deeds have made his name so bright.' The warrior stirred not from his place, But reared his tall light form more tall, THE TALK. And said, whilst letting, with free grace. Upon his arm the mantle fall : — " When, in his snowy- winged canoe. First Walking Thunder* crept to view. On Cataraqui's flood, The Adirondack dogs the knife Against my people held in strife, Red ever with their blood. (So by the oldest sires avouched, In Winter, in the lodges crouched ;) And though tliese dogs now trembling, feel The scornful stampings of our heel, Then did our fathers know their wrath. And die within their bloody path. Beside that broad anu lovely lake Where dwells the Prophet of the winds. Who, if no offering mortals make Passing his lodge of rock, unbinds His rushing fury o'er the wave. And whelms them in a watery grave ; Herding with those base dogs, the fires Of Walking Thunder fiercely flashed Against the bos^oms of our sires. And down to earth their bravest dashed. Sudden, as when the lightning's bound Cleaves the proud hemlock to the ground. They made our trembling warriors bow, Warriors who only bowed before To Hah-wen-ne-yo ; from the roar *ChamplaJn. 53 %: :'' *<»; 54 FRONTENAC. And flash of Walking Thunder's wrath, Their feet flew o'er a briery path, And long they veiled their humble brow. LI. " But the wise Charistooni* came, And gave the dust where slept the flame To our awed sires. From that bright hour, Their scalp-locks loftier, loftier, rose. They climbed the mountain of their power, They poured destruction on their foes ; Each warrior's lodge with scalps was filled, We swam within the blood we spilled. Not only Adirondacks bowed, When o'er them passed our tempest-cloud, But Huron, Erie, Illini, Ottawa, Pequod, bent the knee, Until turned every red man pale, Wliere'er was seen our stealthy trail ; And where our wandering footsteps led, Tlie earth was strown, like leaves, with dead. LII. " Then the good Cliaristooni placed The chain in Corlear's friendly hands ; Since, side by side, the game we've chased, * The Dutch wore to callcJ by the Iroquoia. THE TALK. 55 And still the tree we planted stands, This belt preserves my talk ! Oft has the Atotarho smoked The pipe with Corlear, his white brother, And oft have we the smiles invoked Of Hah-wen-ne-yo on each other ; Deep lies our tomahawk ! If Yon-non-de-yoh, then, the chain Would place in Thurenserah's grasp, And make it free from every stain, The links must Corlear also clasp. And Yon-non-de-yoh, with his hand Upon his heart, by Corlear stand, A brother." — " Nay, it cannot be !" Thus broke in fiery Frontenac : " The mighty Sachems o'er the sea Have dug the hatchet from the ground, The knife must gleam, the war-whoop sound ; Ne'er Yon-non-de-yoh bends the knee. Or from the war-path turns him back I" " Then!" and the Atotarho dashed The mantle down, with eye that flashed, And spurned it with disdain ; " Then shall the hatchet still be red, And still the sky with clouds be spread ; See I Thurenserah's scornful tread Is on the broken chain I" " This to my face I" cried Frontenac, Upstarting, " Seize him !" — In his track The savage turned— one bound he made, 56 FRONTENAC. His hatchet gleamed, and low was laid A pikeman on the floor ; Another bound, another blow, Beneath his feet another foe Was gasping in his gore ; A third, and, with a war-whoop shrill, That pierced all ears with deafening thrill, He vanished through the door ; Over his tribesmen fierce, who stood Stern, fighting, till they fell in blood, Nobles and pikemen pour. Across the court the chieftain flies. One struggle more — the sentry dies ; Haste, haste, thy need is sore I Ope, ope the sally-port ! thy flight Thy foemen press with stern delight, Thy warriors are before. Joy, joy I the sally-port is spread ! And, with loud whoop and winged tread, He plunges midst his tribesmen red, And with quick words he points ahead — All vanish from the square ; Up through St. Louis' Street they dash, Corslet and pike behind them flash. And shots at rapid periods crash, But onward still they bear. All, wondering, view the warriors flee. In their left hands the clutched fusee, The hatchet in their right, Batteauman, hunter, coureur, scout, Show their surprise by clamorous shout, THE TALK. 57 Women shriek wild with fright ; Yet scarce is marked the tawny crowd Before, like passage of a cloud, They shoot athwart the sight ; But ere they gain the walls, a band Of hunters in their pathway stand, Poured from a little inn at hand, (Roused by Ta-wen-deh, who had sought The place at Frontenac's quick thought, By a side alley thither brought,) And deadly fire throw in ; Hatchets and knives and wood-blades flash, Fusees and rifles blend their crash, Whoop, shout, and scream their din ; Bosom to bosom, eye to eye. Pale-face and red-skin sink to die, Blood gushes through the street ; Near and more near the armed array Of guardsmen come to grasp their prey ; Still cut, still cut, wild Braves ! your way I Still urge, still urge your feet I Haoh I* Ha-wen-ne-yo's smile is cast Upon them yet — they reach at last The walls — the sentries low they bring, The massive gates they open swing, Nought now their way retards, And turning, Thurenserah throws His hatchet with a look that glows In glaring fury at his foes ; * ' An exclamation in Iroquoii, ezpreitive of Joy or triumph. 58 FRONTENAC. Then, as dash near the guards, Vanishes with his dusky band Amidst the tangled woods at hand. END OF CANTO SECOND. CANTO THIRD. I' H^ U ■ i THE WAR-SONG. THE HUNTERS. THE BATTEAU. THE CARIGNAN VILLAGE. THE BRIGANTINE. I. . - t CANTO THIRD. THE WAR-SONG. " HooH ! hooh ! how the panther springs, As flies the deer on affrighted wings ! Hooh ! hooh ! how he rends his prey I So will the On-on-dah-gahs slay ! Hoop ! whoop ! how he rends his prey I So will the On-on-dah-gahs slay ! if ''i if 11 i 4» ■ i " Hooh ! hooh ! how the eagle screams, As the blood of the fawn from his talons streams I Hooh ! hooh : how the woods ring out ! So will the On-on-dah-gahs shout I Hooh I whoop ! how the woods ring out ! So will the On-on-dah-gahs shout I " n. Thus, the next morning that beheld The Atotarho safe again At On-on-dah-gah, loudly swelled The war-song in its angriest strain. 4 62 PRONTENAC. Revenge on Yon-non-de-yoh ! high Went up the fierce and bloody cry ; Revenge on all his race ! their ire Flashed into furious, frenzied fire ; Revenge ! revenge ! it filled the day. It e'en disturbed the midnight's sway. Its sound the Atotarho swelled. The echo wild his warriors yelled, The old men, women, children, all Blended their voices in the call, Revenge I revenge ! till every breast Had but that passion for its guest. III. And now round fiamc and war-post red Within the castles crowded square, The wrathful Atotarho led His Braves, and raised his chauntings there^, Joined by their tones, whilst every bound Beat to the song with muflled sound. " Hooh! hooh ! how the sharpened knife Will gleam again in the war-path's strife ! Hooh ! hooh 1 like the lightning red. The On-on-dah-gahs will Hash in dread ! Hooh! whoop I like the lightning red, The On-on-dah-gahs will dart in dread 1 ■ill ! THE WAR-SONG. 68 m:' 2. " Hooh ! hooh ! how the hungry fire Will wrap the French in its leaping ire I Hooh ! hooh ! like the torrent's flood, The On-on-dah-gah's will rush in blood ! Hooh ! whoop ! like the torrent's flood, The On-on-dah-gahs will rush in blood ! " Breaking the song, above his head The Atotarho flashed a sweep With his bright hatchet ; down it sped, And in the post was buried deep. The next one gave a piercing yell, And down his hatchet also fell. Another struck — another — shrill Whoop upon whoop resounding, till Blows rained upon the post so fast, In fragments round 'twas strown at last. 1! ■ft :>i.\ IV. The Atotarho clutched his axe And shook it high with fiercest gaze, Then — scores of warriors in his tracks — Rushed through the palisades, the maize. And bounding to the water-side Where, from the soft white bass-wood hollowed, Three war canoes with withes were tied, Entered the first ; his warriors followed 64 FRONTENAC. Till all were filled, and the furious throng With flashing paddles then left the shore, Skirpmin^T the river with whoop and song Upon their war-path of flame and gore. THE HUNTERS. V. 'Twas one of June's delicious eves ; Sweetly the sunset rays were streaming, Here tangled in the forest leaves, There on the Cataraqui gleaming. A broad glade lay beside the flood Where tall dropped trees and bushes stood. A cove its semicircle bent Within, and through the sylvan space. Where lay the light in splintered trace, A moose, slow grazing, went ; Twisting his long, curved, flexile lip Now the striped moosewood's leaves to strip. And now his maned nock, short and strong, Stooping, between his fore-limbs long Stretched widely out, to crop the jilant And tall rich grass that clothed the haunt. On moved he to the basin's edge, Mowing the swordflag, rush, and sedge. And, wading short way from the shore Where spread the watcrlilies o'er A pavement green with globes of gold, Commenced his favorite feast to hold. THE HUNTERS. VI. So Still the scene — the river's lapse Along its course gave hollow sound, With some raised wavelet's lazy slaps On log and stone around ; And the crisp noise the moose's cropping Made, with the water lightly dropping From some lithe, speckled, lily stem Entangled in his antlers wide, Thus scattering many a sparkling gem Within the gold-cups at his side. Sudden he raised his head on high. Oped his great nostrils, fixed his eye, Reared half his giant ear-flaps, stood, Between his teeth a half-chewed root, And sidelong on the neighboring wood Made startled glances shoot. Resuming then his stem, once more. He bent, as from suspicion free. His bearded throat the iilies o'er, And cropped them quietly. VII. Minutes passed on in such repose, No sound within the scene arose. Save, as before, the river's tinklings ; The rustling that the feeding moose Made midst the lilies, and the sprinklings Each mass of roots ho reared let loose ; 65 ili; *' i , , , '. • I M'Fi r" 1»f 1*1 66 FRONTSNAC. But now a rifle cracked, — he started, And through the ruffled basin darted, Found quickly the opposing side, And, hoofs loud clicking, left the spot, His frame extended in a wide. Headlong, yet awkward trot ; But scarce an arrow's flight he bore, When burst another quick flat sound, And, with drawn limbs, and gushing {^ore, He floundered on the ground. Two hunters rushed then from the shade. And whilst one drew his woodman's blade Across the victim's throat. The other whooped out shrill and keen. That rans: aloncr the silent scene In startling, deafening note. VIII. As from iheir prey they strip the skin, Two other hunters enter in, ' Beaiing a deer with staggering strength. And on the greensward cast their length. Now voices all around are heard, The leaves by hasty feet are stirred. And soon the whole gay hunter band Within the sylvan hollow stand, Casting their wild wood game around Until it thickly strews the ground. •I .1 n THE HUNTERS. IX. 67 Now the golden light has slid From the hemlock's pyramid ; Now the maple's dome is dark, Flashing late with lustrous spark ; And within the solemn woods, Twilight, dusk and shimmering, broods. X. Soon the pile of sticks and leaves Fire from flint and steel receives. And the flesh, in juicy flakes, Odors rich and pungent makes ; Seated on the pleasant grass, Jest and song the hunters pass ; Then, the rites to hunger paid, Careless every limb is laid On the sweet and dewy glade. XI. ■" 'Twas a long shot which struck that goos:,' Says one, " he beat the air so far I" "Yes," cries another, " and the moose Some caution cost us; hey, Bizarre?" " Had he but been that fiend-like boy. The Atotarho, greater joy," Answered Bizarre, "within would glow! I saw a wolf, an hour ago, Down in the Wild-cat streamlet's glen. I M ■ I If 4 I ! i 1, 68 FRONTENAC. And his fierce rolling eye was like, I thought, to that young demon's, when I saw him low Jerandeau strike, Before the Inn of the Canoe, When his wild band came trooping through St. Louis' Street, like panthers leaping ; Oh, that an instant brief he stood In my good rifle Bee-flight's keeping, He'd never spill another's blood I" " Why did not," gay another cried, " Bee-flight bore through him in the strife ?" " As hard as gun e'er did it tried, But fortune favored not ; beside It had to guard its master's life !" " Well, let the Atotarho go," A third one said ; " we cannot reach His fierce bloodthirsty heart with speech — Come, come, Bizarre, let pleasure flow ! Sing, sing ! the ' Happy Hunters' swell, We all can trip the chorus well !" XII. Bizarre hemmed loud, then poured amain, Till the woods rang, his forest strain : — la 'T'l 1. " Happy and free Hunters are we. Free as the winds that roam so wide ; THE HUNTERS. Camping at night, Up with the light, Hunters are happy whatever betide ! Shout out the chorus then, Swing it out louder, men ! Sorrow or care cannot with us abide, Hunters are happy whatever betide I " Happy and free Hunters are we. Free as the clouds that above us glide ; Scorning the worst. Hunger and thirst. Hunters are happy whatever betide I Shout out the chorus then, Swing it out louder, men ! Sorrow or care cannot with us abide, Hunters are happy whatever betide !" XIII. On pass the hours : the camp-fire bright Steeps the near leaves in bronzing light, And shifthig, plays o'er the figures laid. In the generous glow, on the grassy glade. The whetsaw's tinkle, the owl's loud shout, And the ceaseless chime of the frogs, ring out ; With the neighboiing Cataraqui's rush Making profounder the midnight hush. 4* 69 i!^ \\: it , . 1 \ A ill f ^>^ 4^ '^A^ ^ 1.0 1.1 IA&IM 12.5 u« IM |22 [^ U£ HO u IJ& 11.25 ■ 1.4 1.6 FhotDgraphic ScMices CorpoFation ai wht main iTiMf WIMTIR.N.Y. UIM ( 71* ) 179^101 4^ v\ .:^^ 76 PRONTENAC. Hooh ! whoop ! how the woods ring out ! So do the On-on-dah-gahs shout ! " Whilst the batteau with its strewed dead, Now straight, now sidewise, swiftly sped, A face here hanging — there a limb, O'er its stained sides : a picture grim ; Down at the mercy of the flood, Marking its course with trickling blood. THE CARIGNAN VILLAGE. XXII. The sun had vanished — a golden rim Striped the western horizon's wall ; The forest arbors were fading dim, Twilight was letting his mantle fall. XXIII. 'Twas a sweet landscape. A village stood Amidst a clearing enclosed with wood. Log-built cabins, a palisade. Pierced with two gateways, around arrayed ; Thence to the Cataraqui's glass. Were wavelike meadows of velvet grass ; Grain fields growing, and pastures gr«en, THB CARIGNAN VILLAGE. Fallows spotted with stumps and black, And forest-choppings — a choked-up scene, Showing the axe's recent track. All else was a wilderness, thickening to sight, Each moment beneath the first shadows of night. 77 { i XXIV. Oxen were plodding like snails along To the open gates ; and with careless song The settler was lounging behind. The bleat Of flocks approaching their folds was sweet. Along the paths of the winding lanes Herd-bells were tinkling in fitful strains, The kine now stalking, now stopping to feed, Whilst frequently neighed some scampering steed. Hunters from woodland avenues came Followed by hounds, and burthened with game ; And from the far hill-lots echood free The sounding axe and the crashing tree. A sylvan picture, this wildwood land Sketches alone with its rough fresh hand . XXV. Over the brow of a hill that towered Above this landscape — in woods embowered. The shaggy head of a cedar shot In a slanting line from a hollow spot. Tangled with brushwood, and in its breast Deeply his limbs had an Indian pressed ; h \ 'i' ill I S|i ;' Vi' I ■i \ ''■'*r'i, it'll: Mi 78 FRONTENAC. Cautiously, steadfastly, through the green, He drew his eye o'er the village scene. Then gliding down to the hollow, where Each shadowy bush was an Indian's lair, The Atotarho also found The depths of one of the thickets round. XXVI. A youthful couple beguiled the night, With talk by the social candlelight. " One short year, as man and wife, We, Marie, have skimmed the stream of life ! One short year from to-day : hast thought Of the lovely picture the sunset wrought The eve we wed ? My sire, who then Danced at our glad merry-making, said It put him in mind of the day he wed ! You know he was one of Carignan's men ! And old Lemoyne says, none more brave E'er saw the flag of Carignan wave. There hangs his sabre, all rusty and dull ! I wonder if ever the blade I '11 pull From its steel scabbard I Ta-wen-deh the scout, I hear, a week since tolo a few, Within the Inn of the loe. At Quebec, that again with the Iroquois out ; That Thurenserah, inflamed with wrath From Frontenac's treatment, had taken the path ; And furthermore, Marie, a coureur saw, !j THE CARIGNAN VILLAGE. Whilst threading the Thousand Isles above With his load of skins, a sight of awe, Where swift ou a point the current drove. Dost thou remember the large batteau That stayed at our village two nights ago, With old Antoine, Le Bas, and Vigne, And the rest, with the dance on the starlit green ! Well, there a batteau was, stained with gore. With heads and limbs hung ghastly o'er — Beached on the point : he approached with dread, There lay the crew— our poor boatmen — dead, Scalped and mangled, displaying plain That Iroquois devils his friends had slain. Well, Marie, I'm ready to draw at word. With my father's heart my father's sword ! Hark ! the wind rages, a stormy night ! I trust that to-morrow will rise up bright !" To-morrow ! Ah, folly ! Ah, vanity ! Who— who can be sure that to-morrow he *11 see ! XXVII. Midnight came, in its sablest hue, With clouds on a roaring wind that flew ; Nearer and nearer the dawn of day. Wrapped in its slumber the village lay. XXVIII. 79 From the gusty forests passed Swift approaching shapes at last. mm f! i i : ■ ■ ' * I 'if Mm r r< '■■iT ■ 'i if ' i''f ■'Ml' '■I i I 11 80 FRONTENAO. They force the gates of the palisade — There stand the dwellings in gloomy shade ; Scatter the Iroquois far and near ; A moment more, and their whoop of fear Peals out, succeeded by crash on crash, As inward their hatchets the frail doors dash ; To his rifle in vain the Carignan fUes, The hatchet gleams after — he sinks, he dies ! The daughter is brained as she shrieks in dread. The hairs of the grandsire are steeped in red, Mothers, imploring in anguish, fall. Infants are dashed against threshold and wall. Ah, the young husband ! he starts from his dream ! Ah, the young wife ! she but wakens to scream ! Those whoops, those shrill shrieks, those deep groans all around ! The Iroquois ! God ! can no refuge be found ! They glance from the casement, wild forms here and there Shoot past, weapons glitter, shots stream through the air ! The husband has drawn forth the sword of his sire, And he stands by the barred door with aspect of fire. Whilst trembling, half frenzied, his Marie is nigh. Oh, husband ! oh, husband ! " her agonised cry ; My brain reels ! oh. Virgin, most holy ! we flee In this time of our need for protection to thee ! Oh, husband that fresh burst of flame I mighty powers ! It comes from the roof of Lemoyne, next to ours I Let us hide I no, the torch will be here too, we '11 gain The forest, we '11 steal through the herds in the lane ! Come, husband ! oh, husband, come ! haste ! let 's begone ! <( <( all re le THE CARIGNAN VILLAGE. 81 Oh, God ! 'tis too late ! here their glances are drawn I That terrible chieftain ! he 's bounding this way I ' Thurenserah !' these women shriek out as they pray I Thurenserah! oh, husband, no help for us now. We die !" and she veiled in mute terror her brow, Ha, that shock! she screams wildly, down crashes the door, And a Brave bursts upon them with tomahawk o'er. «' Spare, spare, Thurenserah !" but downward it sinks, The blood of the husband laid prostrate it drinks ; The Brave plants his foot on the neck of the slain. And down falls the gore-dripping hatchet again ; The wife plunges headlong, her sorrows are o'er, The couple shall sit at the hearthstone no more. XXLX. Still flies round with delight the brand, Flames flash out upon every hand ; Over, the clouds are bathed in red ; A glaring horizon around is spread ; The tops of the woods seem to stagger in smoke ; All the wild life of their depths has awoke. Eagle and panther, and wolf and bear. Screaming and howling and snarling there ; Blent with the Iroquois war-song loud, Pealing from out of the smoky shroud. ' Hooh I hooh ! how the sharpened knife Has gleamed again in the war-path's strife ! 0v I A S 'f ■i I. I :^ 82 FRONTENAC. Hooh ! hooh ! like the lightning red, The On-on-dah-gahs have flashed in dread ! Hooh! whoop! like the lightning red, The On-on-dah-gahs have flashed in dread I" At midnight the village drew slumber's sweet breath, At day-dawn 'twas hushed in the stillness of death ; At midnight roofs rose in the wild gusty air. At day-dawn a waste of dark ashes was there ; Whilst the fierce Atotarho, more vengeance to claim. Was again on his war-path of carnage and flame. THE BRIGANTINE. XXX. In the soft twilight's darkening glow, Near the wild shores of Ontario, Where points of wilderness form a bay. Now changing its hues to one shade of gray. Three crowded canoes of Iroquois Braves Are gliding ; in one Thurenserah, now Bending his ear to the glassy waves. Ahead then looking with anxious brow. Sudden he speaks, and the prows turn quick To where a cluster of spruces thick Slants o'er the waters, their shaggy woof Shaping there an impervious roof. (I i ■'!: THE BRIGANTINE. And ill the black shadow beneath it thrown Each glides, and the scene to all seeming is lone. But dashes are heard, and a brigantine creeps Round one of the points to the push of her sweeps ; Then dropping her anchor the beautiful bark Motionless sits in the gathering dark. 83 XXXI. A group of seamen surrounds the mast ; The stream of their converse is free and fast. " The Griffin," says one, " was strong and fleet ; I saw her, some two-score years ago, Launched on Niagara's rapid sheet. Near where the cataract rolls below ; The Sieur La Salle and his gallant crew, And good father Hennepin, learned and meek. Were on her decks as she downward drew. And kissed, with a curtsey, the river's cheek ; The Iroquois Atotarho too, Ku-an was there, and with his glance Of dread stood Ta-yo-nee beside, who slew His sister whom Frontenac brought from France. They were then on the war-path in which they fell. Both of the chieftains knew I well !" •* What tales," said another, " of blood we hear From the now Atotarho ; deeds of fear * By this young Thurenserah so constant are done, That a score of warriors he seems in one ! The Carignan village St. Mi6 you know, Near the foot of the Thousand Isles — it stood %' mm El!^>H 1 «r< # r^ M.". ■;' ' I > H - i; .: ''4:) I'' IK'> CANTO FOURTH. THE THANKSGIVING DANCE. THE DANCE OF THE GREAT SPIRIT. KAH-KAH. THE EXPEDITION. THE BIVOUAC. THE ABDUCTION. THE RESCUE AND DEATH. ni'm '*;■; It lit 1-. 'i I CANTO FOURTH. THE THANKSGIVING DANCE. z. Bright ushering in the day of feast For Thurenserah's safe return From his red path of anger stern, The dawn was flickering in the east. As the rich tints began to spread, Brave, Sachem, sire, boy, matron, maid, By the Priest To-ne-sah-hah led In a long file, slow treading, wound Thrice the Tcar-jis-ta-yo around ; Then through the maize fields sought the shade. Where lay the customed offering-glade. There at a pile of faggots dry, Heaped with dew-bespangled forest flowers. Just gathered from their sylvan bowers, (The Atotarho standi "• by,) As the sun showed its upper rim, The gray-haired priest, with upturned eye, To Hah-wen-ne-yo raised the hymn. The sun-fired calumet he bore. Sending its light smoke-offering o'er. 90 PRONTENAC. Yah-hah! to us once more, He returns to us once more." « Hah-wen-ne-yo ! Mighty Spirit I Humble thanks to thee we render. Hah-wen-ne-yo ! Spirit vast ! That to our loved Atotarho, Atotarho, great and high, Thou hast been a kind defender In the war-path that is past. War-path stained with deepest dye. And that safe, O wise Creator ! Wise Creator, dwelling o'er ! He returns to us once more, Yah-hah I to us once more. He returns to us once more. i " Hah-wen-ne-yo ! Mighty Spirit ! Thou art to our League a father, Hah-wen-ne-yo ! Spirit good I And around our Atotarho, Atotarho, chief of fame. Thou dost robe of safety gather In the war-path past of blood, War-path filled with blood and flame. And thus safe, wise Hah-wen-ne-yo! Wise Creator, dwelling o'er I He returns to us once more. 1 ■ THE DANCE OP THE GREAT SPIRIT. 91 II. He ceased — struck steel and flint, and fire Glittered in sparks upon the pyre ; Then, as the offering sent its smoke On high, the Braves their dance awoke ; Whilst To-ne-sah-hah by the flame, The rocking stamping ring within. Praised still the Hah-wen-ne-yo's name, Amidst the rude ga-nu-jah's* din. But, as passed off the morning's shade , The sacrificial rites were stayed Until the sunset's dipping light , When Thurenserah, at the head Of all his Braves, would, in its sight, The dance of Kah-wen-ne-yo tread. III. Pleasure meanwhile ruled every soul. The bird-like ball swift soared on high ; The straining racers sought the goal. And mocking war-whoops rent the sky, THE DANCE OF THE GREAT SPIRIT. h IV. But now tlie sun, in its descent, Its rich and stretching radiance bent ; . "* Thft Go oa-dth-gah name fur luo Indiao drum. 4t f 03 FRONTENAC. Suddenly To-ne-sah-hah beat A great drum, planted in the square : Ceased war-whoop shrill, paused flying feet, The ball no longer whirled in air ; And as once more together came The village throng, his lodge from out, Amidst a general joyful shout Stepped Thurenserah's graceful frame, The close white robe was o'er his breast ; The snowy plume beside his crest ; His right hand grasped a bow sketched o'er With deeds ; his left an arrow bore. I t V. He strode with slow majestic pace To where his Hoh-se-no-wahns* stood Armed like himself; then all the place Left for the sacrificial wood. Heading the long and dusky file. At length the Atotarho checked His footstep in the glade now decked With the soft sunset's sinking smile. VI. The women lined in groups the scene, Fastening upon the Braves their sight, As they, upon the floor of green. Prepared to celebrate the rite ; * " ClUef warrion" in the On-on-dah-gah tongue. > [ I'll THE DANCE OP THE GREAT SPIRIT. Whilst age and childhood sought the shade That thickly edged the sylvan glade. 93 VII. The Braves, with arrow and with bow In either head, gazed steadfastly Upon the sun, whose parting glow Streamed down the glade's green vista free. And as the west's rim felt its flame The Atotarho forward came, Quick swinging in a dance his frame ; And in the mild and mellow blaze. Where a soft golden carpet shone, Began, in quavering guttural tone, The Hah-wen-ne-yo's hymn to raise. 1. ! m " Mighty, mighty Hah-wen-ne-yo ! Spirit pure and mighty ! hear us ! We thine own Ho-de-no-sonne, wilt thou be for ever near us ! Keep the sacred flame still burning ! guide our cnase ! our planting cherish ! Make our warriors' hearts yet taller I let our foes before us perish ! Kindly watch our waving harvests ! make each Sachem's wisdom deeper ! Of our old men, of our women, of our children be the Keeper ! Mighty, holy Hah-wen-ne-yo! Spirit pure and mighty! hear us! 6» f[> I 1 r-i* hr. 94 PRONTENAC. We thine own Ho-de-no-sonne, wilt thou be for ever near us ! Yah-hah ! for ever near us ! wilt thou be for ever near us I 2. K Mighty, mighty Hah-wen-ne-yo ! thou dost, Spirit purest, greatest ! Love thine own Ho-de-no-sonne, thou as well their foemen hatest ! Panther's heart and eye of eagle, moose's foot and fox's cunning. Thou dost give our valiant people when the war-path's blood is running ; But the eye of owl in daylight, foot of turtle, heart of woman, Stupid brain of bear in winter, to our valiant people's foemen ! Mighty, holy Hah-wen-ne-yo I Spirit pure and mighty I hear us ! We thine own Ho-de-no-sonne, wilt thou be for ever near us ! Yah-hah! for ever near us I wilt thou be for ever near us I" VIII. As ceased the strain, the warrior band, Arrow and bow reared high in hand, Arranged their files, and wildly dashed Into a dance with eyes that flashed : . Now toward the west, and now o'erhead, 4 ; KAH-KAH. Timing their chauntings to their tread ; Whilst frequently the war-whoop rung In thrilling cadence from their tongue ; The dull dead drum-stroke sounding low, Like the deep distant partridge-blow. IX. "With mingled grace and dignity The Atotarho led the dance ; To Hah-wen-ne-yo now the knee Bending, with lifted reverent glance, Now springing to his feet, with eye Fixed where the sun had fall'n below, Leaving within the cloudless sky A spot of tenderest, yellowest glow. 95 3-: li :? i ■ ( 'I V} i -^ -I It!' i n KAH-KAH, X. The rite was o'er — the throngs were gone ; The lovely sylvan glade was lone. Upon the air a delicate glimmer, Twilight's first veil, began to shimmer ; The sassafras commenced to mingle With the soft air-breaths fluttering round, O'erpowering, with its fragrance single, The other odors of the ground ; 96 PRONTENAC. Whilst a young moon, with timid glance, Looked down from heaven's undimmed expanse , Her touch so faint on all beneath, It seemed 'twould vanish at a breath. XI. Along Kun-da-qua's* grassy side. An arrow's passage from the glade. In melting tints the waters dyed, The beautiful Jiskoko strayed. Oh, did she come of him to dream Beside the solitary stream ! Her sighs to mingle with the breeze That crept so softly through the trees ! She heard the river's murmuring flow. Filling the spot with music low ; She saw the branches by the wind In light and graceful motions moved. And all were blended in her mind With him so fondly, deeply loved. The sound was like that voice her ear Oft bent in breathless joy to hear ; The softly swaying branch o'erhead Was like that lithe and springing tread ; Yet ah ! in vain, in vain, she knew Love o'er her heart its witchery threw ; The eagle, with his soaring crest, Disdained the robin's lowly nest. The On