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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commengant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols —»- signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN ". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmto A des taux de reduction diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour 6tre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmi d partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 5 6 •ImaX^ nyi vv^^^ U^4 6 eytex. 'W I I ■^ '^•AlAwJIB.BW^ '-\ V ; ) FRONTENAC # POEM OF THE IROQUOIS ALFRED B. STREET ALBANY JOEL MUNSELL MDCCOLXVr Entered according to Act of Congrees in the year 1800, Bt ALnutD B. Btrzkt, In tbo Clerk's Office of the District Cknirt of the United States, for the Northern District of New York. REFACE. Our talo is based upon the fol- lowing chapter of history. In the month of June, 1 096, Count Fron- tonac, then Governor-General of Canada, assembled an army at La- chine, 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. I'he army consisted of the regular troops, the hahilans 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 Ih' Iroquois, by reason of their nations having, in former i'u ,e3, been conquered by the Confederacy. Frontenac, with this army, as- cended the St. Lawrence, in bateaux and canoes, carry- ing with him, in addition to light arms, cannon, mortars, and grenades. Making the customary portage*, he reached Lake Ontario, coasted its eastern waters, as- cended the Oswego River, crossed Onondaga Lake, and vin Preface. cncam^)ed upon its borders. lie then plunged, witli liis forces, into tho vast wilderness, in search nt' the Iroquois. Arriving at tho principal castle or village of the Onon- dagns, into whose particular canton or country he had pcnctrotcd, he found it deserted. I'utdiing further then into tho wildornesw, Frontenae discovered nothing of his wild enemies, and finally, in disappointment , ho retraced his march. On his return path, however, tho Iroquois way- laid his steps, killed a number of his men, and did not cease their attacks until he had entirely loft their territory. The Iroquois ut that tiii.o consisted of five nations, viz.: tho Mohawks, Oueidas, Cayugaa, Onondagos, and Senecas, occupying a territory which thoy figuratively called their Long House, extending from cast to west over what is now the State of New York, from the Lakes Erie and Ontario to the Hudson Uiver. These Indian nations had banded themselves into a League or Confederacy, at first for protection against their common enemies, continuing it afterwards for con- quest. Tho time of the formation of this League is not known, but is supposed to have been ages before the white man appeared among 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 u, wild mythology concerning it among themselves. When Champlain first came to (Quebec, he found the PnEFACE. Confodorncy at war with tlio Ilurons nnd Adirondaoks, then warlike and powerful natiouH. Having allied himself to the AdirondaokH, ho joined them in an expedition against the Iroquois ; and, by reason of the fire-arms ho carried, then totally unknown to the warriors of tho Confederacy, ho was the means of defeating tho latter on tho borders of tho very lake which now bears his name, This kindled an animosity against tho French on the part of tho Iroquois, which was never forgotten. Receiving, a few years afterwards, fire- arms in their turn from the Dutch, who, in tho meanwhile, had penetrated the forests along tho Hudson and Mohawk Rivers in New York, the confederated warriors commenced their attacks upon tho 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 those warlike savages annoy the French, but they turned thoir arms against all the neighboring tribes, driving tho Hurons and Adirondaoks, their former rivals, from thoir villages and hunting-grounds, and absolutely extermin- ating many of tho savage nations around them. Push- ing their conquests in all directions, they at length mastered every Indian tribe residing, not only in New York, but every other, as far us 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 , '- X Prefaob. BtiinaUte tho wrath of those haughty and powerful RavagoR, without woakoning thoir Htrongth or diiuiniithing their power. That strength and power had arrived at their height when Frontouac took the reins of uouiniuud for the second time, in ltf!^9. The Iroquois iiad now assuuiod so threatening an attitude, that this stern and proud noble thought it advisable to penetrate tiioir fastnesses and crush them, if possible, at a blow. IIuuco the expedition above detailed, which was, however, iis fruitlc!'*fW»i CANTO FIRST. LUCILLE. WAS 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 golden flowers all o'er it spread. n. 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 cliflF, beneath the play Of the deep yellow light, were gay. And the curved flood, below that lay, In flashing glory flowed ; Frontenac. Beyond, the sweet and mellow smile Beamed upon Orleans' lovely isle; Until the downward view Was closed by mountain-tups that, reared Against the burnished sky, appeared In misty dreamy hue. Ill, 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. im .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 largo and bright. This green and sun-streaked glade was rife With hights and sounds of forest life. Lucille. A robin in a bush was singing, A flicker'*' rattled on a tree ; In liquid fife-liko 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 Brushing the insects from off him, fed. vr. 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 j The long lock crowned his shaven head; Bare, save the bolt, his form of red, And where around his loins was spread A stripe of shaggy felt. •The goldeii-\rlnged woodpecker of the American forotta. tThe brown thmsh of the Bomo. Frontknac. VIII. With head aside he stood intout An instant, then ho stooped and bent His oar 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 Hang out the thriiHher's splendid strain ; But the sweet sounds had scarcely filled The place, wTieu they again were stilled. On the green glade two figures came ; One of a tall and stalwart frame, With sword and ])lume and martial air; The other scarce ibur summers old, Whose coal-black eyes and raven hair And features — though of loveliest mould,- O'cr-tintcd with a light red shade. Blood of the native race betrayed. a LUOILLB. The soldier, on tho gross reclined, Viewed tho glud 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 tho 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 eff'orts 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 carressed 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 glows Too strong for peaceful dull repose ; 3 Frontenao. And tlio wild nature I o«py Of thy rod mothor in thino cyo. LiHtun t I'll tell the tnio again I told thco ycstcr-ninht, When proudly on tho bnttlo plain Franco stemmed tho dreadful fight, And heard at laut tho clarion strain Of victory crown her might! 'And then coranicnced tho legend old : Tho girl's red features flushed more rod, Brightened her cyo nioro wild and bold As on tho story sped, Until with sight that fairly blazed, Tho blade with both her hands she raised And waved it o'er her head. XIII. At the first words, a thicket's screen Had moved behind the pair, .\nd then two eyeballs fierce and keen Like spots of fire gleamed there ; Out came a scalp-lock — then a head — Then WHS put forth an arm of red, And, like the cowering panther's tread, Tho Indian left his lair. XIV. Stilly, as glides o'er earth a shade From bush to bush along the glade LVOILLB. Tho Btoalthy Bavngo wont: A Htiap, tho girl half turned; his orouoh VVaa liko tho Hpidor's, when a touch Its filmy Hnaro has ront. Then, rising from behind tho bank Where for an instant's spaoo, ho sank, Again ho glided low; The troiublo of tho loaves and gross Tolling alone his snako-liko pass, So viewless, silent, slow. XV. Near and more near, with eyes of flame, Tho Indian creeping, creeping, came, Until ho pauHcd and drew His hatchet, then leaned quickly back And from his clutch in whirling track Tho glittering weapon flew; It fell upon tho 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 ; tho hatchet drank Again his blood, and down ho sank Beneath his enemy. And, as in pangs of parting life Tho quivering soldier lay, The savage drew his gleaming knife And wrenched tho scalp away. ■I 10 FRONTn*A«. XVI. Tho ohild. trnnsfixoJ in nnito surprUe, Had viewed tho occiiu with Htaring oyos; Uut, 08 tho fcHrful Indian xhrod Tho Bcalp from off thiit hiinori'{ itM olaniornuH pi pin); woko ; Tlio wolf drew out Imh piniiitivo howl; 8houtod, in pauHOK briuf, tho owl ; Ilor wiiil Hot up tho whippoorwill; The troo-toad swolicd ItH hollow trill, Tho flro-fliott nhud, in thickciiin); flight, Thoir nold-nroon intorniittont li^ht Until tho );ray and ({limmeriuK h:\to With fiiiry uiotoorH, Hcomud iibliiMj And ouco nnothor doer Htoppod oi, *y liut 08 ho Htoopcd to toed, about llo sworved with «nort of 'Irwitl, And through tho darkening; f»xssttt wasto Dnshod far owoy in fronziod hasto — Thoro lay tho bloody dead. u FRONTENAC. XIX. Reared on the cliff, at tho very brink, Whence a pebble dropped would sink Four-score feet to the slope below, Tho Castlo of St. Louis caught Dancing hues of delicate pink. With which the clouds o'crhead were fra ight From the rich sunset's streaming glow. 12 Frontenac. XX. Opposite, in tlio soft warm li;;lit The Recollcts' steeple glittered briprht; And tipped with ptld was the ('onvent by, Whilst both threw ii mantle of raven dye The broad Place d'Annes across, Tliat up to the massive curtain lay, Save where a slantinj; and ha/.y ray. Shooting between the buildings gray. Streaked it with yellow gloss; The bastions threw on the Castle court ('rescents 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 tlierc. XXI. Within a room of tlie Castle, bright From a ray of rich ruby light, That caused great tremulous blots to fall On raftered ceiling and tnry 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 Ilim who perished ! hear us! Mijry Jfother, list our prayer. " Honored above all, yet lowly Bend the sweetness of thy brow, Mary Mother! Virgin Holy! On thy waiting children now, Let thy suiile. sweet Mother! cheer us! To our souls thy blessing bear ! Mother of Him who perished ! hoar us ! Mary Mother ! list our prayer." He glanced without — the splendid moon Was climbing to her gorgeous noon ; Tlio massive church and convent bright Reared their tall summits in her light ; Whilst on the court the castle laid The sharp cut blackne.^s of its shade ; The .sentry still with measured stride 111 Feontbnao. Passed and ropoesed 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 j 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. 19 END OP CANTO FIRST. CANTO SECOND. THE IROQUOIS. THE CANADIAN SPRING. THE PEACE-BELT. ON-ON-DAHGAH. THE ATO-TA-IIO. THE ROBIN. THE MESSAGE. QUEBEC. THE CALUMET. THE TALK. CANTO SECOND. THE IIIOQUOIS. WENT Y-FOUR jcnrs ! a fleeting span In tlic flectiuj; rarecr of man, Tweiity-four years have passed along In the flow of my humble song. II. Oh the Eagle is swift when he sweeps from his height, ^^ Withhiswing tothc 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 j 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 siunmit had clambered at length, Sought so long by their firm bunded wisdom and strength; Their Long House extended now, spacious and high. The branches its rafters, its canopy, sky. From the grand Mountain lliver's* full occanward bed, To where its great bosom Ontario spread. * The Uudson, called In old cbronlcleB Tbo River of tbe Mooutatus. The Iro>inoU namo is Co-lm-tn-te-yab. •24 FmtNTENAO. The fierce AiliromlackH had fled from their wrath, The IIurciiiM hi-cri NWi'])t fnmi their iiieroiIenn jiatli ; Ari)Uii(l, the OttawaH, like leaves liud been utrowu; And the hike of the Krien nnt silent and lonu. The I.i'iiape, lordx onee ot' valley and hill, Made Wdnien, bent lnw at their i'(in(|uerorB' will; liy the tar MiKsiKHippi, the Illini xhrank When the trail (if the TdUToixK wan xeen on the hunk ; On the liills of New Kn^land the l'ei|U((d tnrned pnle, When the liowl of the Wolf swelled at ni^ht in tho gale ; And the Cherokee nhook in his f:reen Hniilin^ howerH, When the foot of the Heau Htaniped liis carpel of flowers. III. Pcath, death to the tribcH that now lingered behind When the Inxjuois yountr nien eanie on like the wind. The forcHtu wore filled with affrijiht and despair Wlien tlie whoops of the braves keenly rolled on tho nir; They looked — at their frown tho wholu region grew black; They rose — and their way was the hurricane's track. vr. Stern Frontenac saw, from the walls of Quebec, This flood from the woods dashing on without check. His forts were surroumled, liis outposts were burned, French blood be saw flowing wherever he turned, Now here, and now there, as elouds flash in their strife. Was the dart of thefoeman, the flash of their knife; The hunter, whilst tracking the Hudson Hay snow In search of the ermine, sank under their blow ; Tub IiioyuoiH. Sfi ThoHcttlcr whilst plying hU nx in tho wood, At tlio Hkirts (if C^iioboc, dvoil flm curtli with liin blood; Tho hntoiiuiniiii, pttHhiii^ hin oriift to itN ^oiil Up tho Hwift ('utiirtt(|ui,* full iloiid at hin polo; Tho Hi'iitry, whilxt nuardiiif; I'ort Froiitunac'H wull Uy Oiitario'H watorn, fi-lt doath in tho hall ; Tho fur trador, Hkinnuin); with hlaiikot and hoad Tho Lako (if tho Iliirous, was lullowod to blood; Hlodd oriniMdiiod tho earth, and I'rioM biirthoncd tho air, I'ntil Frontunao, lashod intu nuoldonin); doHpuir, Unf^od round liko tho lion foes gird in a rin^', IIIh niano bristliiij; floroo, yot in ddutit whoro to spring, lloro oponin^ Imh roar and ihero glancing Imh eyo, With thu circle Htill growing moro thruutuuiug and nigh. Tho proudest of nil in tho hostile array Was young f Dawn of Morning, tho Red of tho Day, Tho Lcagno'H At-a-ta-ho! tho boldest in fight! The wisest in council! in forni thu must bright! Tho fleetest of foot, tho most HkiUed in tho chaso I Tho glory and boast of tho Iroijuois race! Day alter day to fierco Fmntonac's ear Was tho nanio of the chieftain borne loudly by fear; With the rush of tho blast trod tho Hravo on his path. Slaughter and flanio wore tho marks of his wrath ; In Hilence of midnight his war-whoop arose ; In brightness of noonday were stricken his blows; • The SI. Lnnrrcuco In tho IruqtioU tonetiv. t Thurun-Bc-rah lu Iroquois, lu tUo Uu-ou-da-ga language The Dawn of Day. ■20 FnONTENAC. Woe to the French I for a ilcinon ceemcd sent Oil its way of dark liorrors wliorover he went; Woe to the French ! for the hatchet he bore Wearied not, spared not, streamed ever with from Winter's fnizeii lnml>. l)ay lit tiie river's icy mail ; The bland warm rain at cveninjr sank ; Tee frafrmcnts dashed in niidniirht's j;alc ; The UKiose at in(irn the rijiplcs drank. The yacht, that stmid with naked mast In the locked siiallnws mi'tionless When sunset fell, went eurt.seyin^ past As breathed the moriiinj^'H li}.'ht caress. The woiidman, in the forest deep. At sunrise heard with gladdening thrill Where yesler-evo was gloomy sleep, The briiwn rossifrncil's carol shrill ; Where ycster-eve the snowbank s|iread The hendoek's twisteil roots between. He saw till' coltsfoot's golden bead Rising from mos.ses plump and green ; The Canadian Spring. 27 Whilst all iirouiiil wcro building trees, And iiielKiw Hweetiiohs filled the breeze. A few days passed ahmi^, and brouj^lit Jlorc ehaufies as by luagie wnmght. With plumes were tipped the beeeheii sprays; The bireh lonj; dangling tassels showed; Tile oak still bare, but in a blaze Of irorj;eous rod the maple };lowcd; With elusters of the ])urest white Cherry and slmdbiisli eharmod the sight Like spots of snow the bouf;hs among; And showers of strawberry blossoms made Kieh carpets in each Held and glade Where day it.s kindliest glances flung. And air loo hailed Spring's joyous sway; The bluebird warbled dear and sweet; Tlien came the wren with carols gay, The customed roof and poreli to greet; The moekbird sliowed its varied skill ; At evening moaned the whijipoorwill. Type of the Spring from Winter's gloom ! The butterfly new being found ; Whilst round the pink may-apple's bloom Gave myriad drinking bees their sound, (ireat fleeting chuids the pigeons made; When near her brood the hunter strayed With trailing limp the partridge stirred; Whilst a i(uiek feathered spangle shot Rapid as thiuight from spot to spot Showing the fairy bunmiingbird. 28 Fkontenac. THE PEACE-BELT. VII. In the same room where Frnntenac stern Heard the loss of Lucille and the death of Lavcrgne. Twenty-four rapid years ap) ; lu this same room where his i'ootsteps bent To and fro, to and fro ; Over his viwafje shades eame and went ; Now thought in his wrinkles crouched low like a snake, Now venomous fury uU up and awake, Now death-like pallor, now crimson glow. Those 3'ears have dimmed his eye's (|uick flame, Whitened his brow, and bent his frame. For more than the threescore-and-ton had been given, Whether in favor or anger, by Heaven, Within these years had the staff of command IJeen wielded by another's hand, IJut once more at his sovereign's word, O'er Canada's destinies stood he lord. VIII. To and fro, to and fro,* Frontenae strode tlirough light and shade Hu.stily, heavily, still and slow. As thoujht 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 glen. He! governor of the province ! ho The sport of Iroquois enmity ! He clenched his teeth, and his sword half drew. Whilst darkened his brow to a swarthy hue : " Oh, that this Dawn of Morning 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!" A guardsman in his presence bent; "The Otter* bid attend us straight!" Then on again the stridings went. The door reopened; with a tread Noiseless as snow-flakes in their fall And bowing scarce hi.s 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, " List Otter ! take this belt of peace; Kcst not till Dawn of 3Iorniug's found; Tell him, we wish the storm to cease ; The hatchet bury in the ground. Tell him, the At-o-ta-ho proud, Forgetting enmity and wrath. * Ta-wen-dah Intbo Haron tonguo. 30 Fkontenac. Should from our sky sweep every cloud, Should clear all briers from off our path. Tell him to seek this lodge of stone, Whore oft the council fire has shouo; That You-uon-de-yoh asks a talk The tree of peace between to set, Beneath to smoke the calumet, And wipe from blood the tomahawk !" ON-ON-DAH-GAII. IX. The sunset, from his rainbow throne, On On-on-dali-f;ah Hollow shone. A double ring of palisade Enclosed within one-half its bounds A rouMd-topj)ed Indian village, made Of mats and branches; scores of mouud.s 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. X. Along the castle's beaten si|uare, Di.splayiug marks of skill and care. On-on-dau-oah. The famous Temple of the Glow* EstcndoJ its long log-built frame; Shrining with the Sacred Flame, Whose star it never ceased to show. Typo of the aucicnt league that bound The five lied 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 llenewing by the radiance clear The tie in each confederate's heart. 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 bushed and solemn gloom It touched the heavens with sable plume ; Like ocean's surges wild it cast Its rolling fragments on th>. jlast; And pointed upward deep and proud Toward the black frowning thundercloud. 81 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 • Tcar-Jle-ta-yo In Iroquola. 32 Frontknac. Broke out, away was turned the glauce, Quick from the prcoinctH 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 hi.s locks of white j Still glowed its undiminished light When death its trophy won ; Another generation passed, And still the ruddy gleams were cast, Unwastcd as the sun. XIV. A priestess watched with tireless cure That the pure splendor of the fire Should never, day or night, cx])iro, And always was her presence there. The At-o-ta-ho'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, AVhose sparkles from the Flame had birth. Was borne by *Spark of Sunlight's hand. • To-na-u-b* in Iroqaola. i The At-o-ta-ho. 88 To every On-on-dah-gah hearth ; And there again the wij^wam-firo, 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 Ilah-wen-ne-yo's smile is o'er, And then liow 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 everywlwro Again ho made the dark hearths bright With the fire emblem, whilst the air Rang with the usual festal rite. THE AT-O-TA-HO. XVI. Upon the square's opposing side The At-o-ta-ho's lodge arose ! Its domed shape also, greater pride And skill displaying far than those On cither side the space that flanked. And into ways broad trodden ranked, Each warrior's totem rudely cut Above the porch of every hut, AVith narrow transverse lanes between. Till the slant pickets closed the scene. 84 Frontenac. XVII. The ontrnncc of tlio lodge before Iliiiif: n };ipantic pnntlicr skin, — Spoil of the At-o-tu-ho'H iiiif.'lit Won in a despcrntc mountain fi^'lit. — While beaver furs the earthen floor With delicate softness rohed within. The walla with deerskins were o'erspread, White as the snow the lake-marsh shed. Impending from moose-antlers, shone The licague's L'rcat Calumet, its stem Plumed like the feathery diadem The At-o-ta-ho on his throne Of branches in the Kquare displayed, When for the I'nidu Feast arrayed. XVIII. Ilis own rich jiipe was huiiir below, Its bowl and stem one general glow With thickly ]iictured tints of red, Telling of actions stern and dread. On one side was the l)earskin eouch, Above it his fusee and pouch ; Arciund were ranged the war-club strong And curved, with its wrist-looping thung; The bow with deeds all over dyed, The flint-head arrows at its side; Leggings of crimson, mantle felts; The At-o-ta-ho. Snowy and purple wiunpum-belts; Moccasins (juillud in rainbow hue; Broad sinewed snow-shoes; girdles blue; Sharp Hcalping-knivoB uud 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, Childhood's and manhood's blended there. XIX. No wife the warrior's wigwam shared, His venison or his uiaizc 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 ; Th3 At-o-ta-ho lived alone. 86 XX. And yet more bright each maiden's glance When moved his figure in the dance ; More eager bent each listening ear Whcp. 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. 86 FUONIENAC. XXI. When throufjh the waj.s and Innes ho >vcnt,. Dark sparkling uycs wuru on him bunt; Soft hourt.s beat whoresoo'ur ho trod ; Sweet cheeks blushed nweoter at hi^^ nod; For us tho liCague's young men beyond In deeds, iu beauty was lie too ; But yet affectien's gentle bond Tho graceful warrior never knew. He — tho proud At-o-tu-ho — kept Xo thoughr.s within his heart ibr lovo; 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 tho maiden train, In secret heaved the burning sigh. In secret felt tiie tender pain. Her mother, captive iu some strife. In youth had been a wliite man's wife. Then, hurried to a bloody grave By a fierce On-on-duh-gah Brave, Who said she h:id forgot her jirido To slumber by a Frenchman's side; And in another war-path brought The infant to her tribe, that she, I TuE Robin. Though with tho hatad blood so fraught, An On-on-dah-gah still should bo. 8T xxni. Sinoo, eighteen springs their blossoms sweet Had twined around Tho Robin's * foot. Her largo soft olk-like eye tho race Of the Ho-de-no-sonno showed, While on hor sunny cheek the trace Of her pale lineage — rose-like — glowed. She followed ever with her eye The At-o-ta-ho 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 hiir face; Whene'er he struck the battle-post, 8he hung delighted on his boast; When on tho war-path stern he went, She frecjuent hid 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 tho praising throng, Amid the tinkling Indian lute, Or the loud swell of joyous song, To him, she, she alone was mute. •Jl.'-ko-ko in On-on-da-ga. 88 Frontinac. Yet fhoro, o'eii there, no Heeniinj^ cold, Tlio n\^:\\ uiiJ liluhh their Mtory tulj. liul though the At-o-tii-hi) hlind To her deep love uiij)eiired, hiH tone And look were ever, ever kind. Telling wuriii t'rieudHhip held the throue ' XXIV. ThuH, while The Hohin loved in vaiu. She wildly wu« heloved iignin, Uy Ko-luh of floree de^periile mood, 'Whose fiery will iind vengeful blood Caused her to Hhudder iind turn pulo, Wheuo'cr ho told IiIh huted tnlu. XXV. His siro The Raven wa» ii lirnve, Noted, yet to vile puwionH (tiavc. Treacherous, blood-thircty at* a wolf, Vet full of deep deceit and guile, A calm look veiled the boiling gulf, Murder was hidden in his (*mile. ButBtill, when on the wur-path rushed lliij feet, mo just liis utlter boast, All blame was in his praises hushed, The wretch was in the warrior lost. TiiH Message. 80 THE MESSAGE. XXVI. The sun \m jouriiuy bright had bont So low, n lovcl my ho soiit, Tijipiiif: tlio fbri)«(M with tht) ^cU)w, Wiiilo twiligiit gatherctl gray beluw. xxvir. Upon the plcumiiit outsido green TwoHlioutiiig banils, the gates between, With their liroml rackets, sent on high The b.iU now soaring to (he siiy. Now tailing, to again be canght And sent aloft with sjieed iil' thi>ught, Ever ujion its whizzing wing As though it were a living thing. XXVIII. Hero, through the nlley.^, warriors bore Short searlet el(pak,s their shoulders o'er. Arrow and bow iu either hand. Yet wearing nought of war's coinmaud; There, others .strove in miiuie fray, Wrenehinj the faneied !i rhilliiif; roboH orMnow. Tlii.s bolt |iri iTVf^ my wordw! Wu'Il jduiit llic ]nai'«)-lreo deeply now, So that itH nhiide chilli Htcep oacb brow; And no mure Irl tho fires of wratli De kindled in tlie l>iittle-pnth Uy deodn or nin^'infr-bird:*. See, Dawn of Morninj; I yon bright pilo (M'pn« will nmke tliy wiirriors Nmilo! Fufced, Ut brinj,' tho fleet moose low ; RaeketH, to hunt liiin in the snow; Ulankets, within whcwe downy fold, Tho KircH can bravo tho bitterest cold ; Sanhes. to bind the robes of skin ; IJeads for the tawny nioeeasin ; Trinkets tn make tho stpiaws more bri>.'ht ; Taints fitting' warriors for the fi-ht ; I'owder and l>all, to scathe with flamo Tho foe, and heap tho lod>;o with game ; LcfT^ings that maleh the ruddy blaze; Kettles to boil the golden maize; And look I lot Dawn of Morning spread Hound him this niande rich and red, Worthy an At-o-ta-ho's sight, Whoso deeds have niado his name so bright." Tho warrior stirred not I'rom his place, Hut reared his tull light form more tall, The Talk. And Mill, while Icttiii);, with fVeo grace, Upon hin iiriu the mniitlu full : — " When, in hin Hiinwy-winm'il I'luioo, FifHt Waiicin^j TIiuikIit* erupt to view, On Cnt-ii-ru-<{ui'H flood, Thti Adirciiidii('l( do^'H (]u< knife ApiiiiHt my pitiiplo lioid in Htrifu, Itud over with their Mood. So by the oldcHt nires iivouuhed, In winter, in the lodncM erou^'hod j And thoii^di thoHO do^s no' • trembling, fVel Till- Hcorutui Ntani]iin^:HorMnr heel, Then ditl our liitlierH Itnow their wrn'ii, And die williin their bloody path. Uefi'le that iiroad and jc- , 'v luko NVtiere dwells the prv|ii>.ci, if the winds, Who, if no offbring nioruU umkc I'a.stiin;; bin Indjie of roek, unbinds IIiM ruchin;; fury o'er the wave, And whelms them in a watery pravo ; Ilerdinj: with those base doirs, the fires Of Walking; Thunder liereely flashed ApniuHt the boHonis of our siroM, And down to earth their brave.st dashed, Su game have chased, • The Dutch wore so called by the Irociuols. The Talk. 55 And still the tree wo planted stands, This belt preserves my talk ! Oft has the At-o-ta-ho 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 Dawn of Morning's grasp, And make it free from every stain, The links must Corlear also clasp. And Yon-nou-de-yoh, with his hand Upon his heart, by Corlear stand, A brother." — " Nay, it cannot be 1 " Thus broke in fiery Frouteuac : " 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 !" " Then ! '' and the At-o-ta-ho 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 bo spread ; See ! Dawn of .Morning's scornful tread Is on the broken chain ! " " This to my face ! " cried Frontenac, Upstartiiiu', " Seize him !" — In his track The savage turned — one bound he made, 9 I: 56 FnONTENAC. His hntohet gleamed, and low was laid A pikcnmn on the floor ; Another bound, another blow. Beneath his feet another foe Was >!;a8piBg iu 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 ! Ope, ope the sally port I thy flight Thy focmen press with stern delight. Thy warriors are before. Joy, joy ! 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 iho warriors fleo. In their left hands the clutched fusee, The hatchet in their right, Bateaumau, hunter, courier, scout. Show their surprise by clamorous shout. The Talk. 57 Women Hhriek 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, 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 ! Still urge, still urge your feet ! Haoh ! * Hah-wen-ne-yo's smile is cast Upon them yet — they reach at last The walls — the :^ent^ies low they bring, The massive gates they open swing. Nought now their way retards, And turning, Dawn of Morning throws His hatchet with a look that glows In glaring fury at his foes; Then, as dash near the guards. Vanishes with his dusky band Amid the tangled woods at hand. * An exclamation in Iroquois, ezpreesive of joy or triampb. END OF CANTO SECOND. ■^ 'I WE CANTO THIRD. THE WAR-SONG. THE HUNTERS. THE BATEAU. THE CARIQNAN VILLAGE. THE BRIGANTINE. I i I I CANTO THIRD. THE WAR-SONG. OOH I hooh ! how the panther springs, As flics the deer on affrighted wings ! Hooh ! hooh ! how he rends his prey ! So will the On-on-dah-gahs slay ! Hooh ! whoop ! how he rends his prey ! So will the On-on-dah-gahs slay ! " Hooh ! hooh 1 how the eaglo screams, As the hlood of the fawn from his talons streams ! Hooh ! hooh ! how the woods ring out ! So will the On-on-dah-gahs shout ! Hooh ! whoop ! how the woods ring out ! So will the On-on-dah-gahs shout 1 " S^.K n. Thus the next morning that heheld The At>o-ta-ho safe again At On-on-dah-gah, loudly swelled The war-song in its angriest strain. 62 Frontenac. Revongo on Yon-non-do-yoh ! liigh Wont up the fierce and bloody cry j Rovongo on nil his race ! their iro Flashed into furious, frenzied fire; Revenge ! revenge ! it filled the day, It e'en dittturbcd the midnight's sway, Its sound the At-o-ta-iio swelled, The echo wild his warriors yellod. The old men, women, children, all Blended their voices in the call. Revenge 1 revenge ! till every breast Had but that pasaion for it^ guest. III. And now round flame and war-post red Within the castle's crowded square, The wrathful At-o-ta-ho led His braves, and raised his cliauntings there. Joined by their tones, whilst every bound Beat to the song with mufiled sound. " Ilooh ! hooh ! how the sharpened knife Will gleam again in the war-path's strife ! Hooh ! hooh! like the lightning red, The On-on-dah-gahs will flash in dread ! Hooh ! whoop I like the lightning red, The On-on-dah-gahs will dart in dread ! The 'War-Sono. 63 " Ilooh ! hooh ! how the hungry fire Will wrap the French in its leaping ire ! Ilooh ! hooh ! like the torrent's flood, The On-on-dah-gaha 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 At-o-ta-ho 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 IV. The At-o-ta-ho clutched his axe And shook it high with fiercest gaze. Then — scorns of warriors in his tracks — Hushed through l(irning points before AV'ith his red knife, and in the wood Parts with his tawny braves once more For other scenes of woe and blood. THE BATEAU. XVII. Morning is brightening with golden smiles The beautiful " Lake of the Thousand Isles.' Sc;it*ercd all over the green flood lie Islands profuse as the stars in the sky ; Here, scarce yielding a few trees room. There, bearing upward a forest of gloom, 11 72 Frontenac. Breaking the wave, now, in broad expanses, That flashtd out like steel in the morning's glances. And now into vistas whose cither side Darkened with iuicrmised shadows the tide. XVIIl. A sheldrake by an isle of wood, Within a watery streak was steering, Dipping his green head in the flood. When, ((uiek his bill of yellow rearing. With a loud whiz he flew away, As a gigantic war-canoc Filled with a grim and plumed array Of warriors wild came shooting through : Amidst them, with his look of pride. Was Dawn of Morning, his keen eye Scanning the tangled shore boiidc, Till, toward a weeping elm-tree nigh, Which in a thickly foliagcd wreath Down to the wave its branches threw. He waved his arm, and underneath Instantly vanished the canoe. XIX. It was not long ere voices gay Broke on the air, and a bateau Moved up the furruwirg narrow way With its rough crew in double row. Each beading shoulder strongly bracing Against the pole with struggling strain, The Bateau. 73 Then, every one his way letracing, To stoop down to the toil again. Tlio long curved craft, the jackets red Of the bent boatmen, gliding, spread In sharp, soft lined, yet shaken trace Upon the water's rippling face. XX. •' The sunset's light, I trust," said one, " Antoinc, will seo our toiling done." " Aye, Vigno, sound sleep this night we win Fort Frontenac's strong walls within." " Much more than we," Vigne answering cried, " Gained the last night — those screams and whoops We heard, though in the distance, tried My manhood, comrades, — deeply droops My heart within me as I think Of those poor hunters that we saw At noon along the river's brink ; For, comrades," and a look of awe He glanced around him, " wo all know That Dawn of Morning and his braves Are on the war-path ! " " Be it so," Broke in a third, " we'll not be slaves. We, boatmen, wo, to abject fear : I did not, Vig'ic, thy whoops e'en hear: ^ Those maringouins ! * swarm on swarm t A Uttle vhltc gnat fonnd on tbc banks of the St,Lawrenc«. 74 FiiONTENAO. Thronged all the nif^ht about my form; The little white fiends stcmed as mad To drink up nil the blood I had." " Cease," said Antoine, " the morn, at least, Is bright; we taste it like a least; I'll sing the boatman's well known air. And you must all the chorus bear." " Push along, boys, push along, boys, Merrily, cheerily pusli along ; And while our jjrow makes merry music, We'll too raise thn song. We'll too raise the .wng, my boys, Swift as we push along ; Eacli to his ]iole, hnys, bend to each pole, boys, -A. ' rily, cheerily push aloisg; And while the waters ripple round us, We'll too rai.sc the son'.'. '• Push along, boy.-<, pu.sh along, boys, '• Merrily, cheerily" — '• Hush ! " said Vigne, " I saw a flash amidst those leaves Beside, as of some weapon keen I " "Pshaw ! some white birch thy sight deceives," Impatiently another spoke — '• On, let the song again be woke! " ■ ■ Push -ilong, boys, push along, boys, Merrily, cheerily push along; ; The Bateau. And while the wave" — " Stay 1 stay the fltrain 1 There is no wind, and yet I see Yon thicket fluttering ! Marli again Tliat gleam. Ila ! from behind this tree I saw a scalp-lock peer I Beware ! My comrades." Just then on the air Broke crashes quick, with yell on yell From the close banks ; the boatmen foil — Some dead, some on their knees ; once more A volley rings, and from the shore To the bateau fierce figures bound, Swift weapons flash — shrieks, groans, resound. 76 XXI. •' Spare ! spare ! great At-o-ta-ho," cries Vigne, as his throat a warrior f^asps; But the knife falls; in death ho gasps Ills rent scalp swinging to his eyes — Then whoops the At-o-ta-ho keen, The warriors vanish from the scene; .\nd tiic wild isle its echoes wakes, As forth the savage war-song breaks. •■Ilooh! hooh! how the eagle screams, As the Mood of the fawn from his talons streams ! Ilooh 1 hooh I how the woods ring out ! So do the Oa-on-dah-gahs shout ! T6 Frontenac. Hooh ! whoop 1 how the woods ring out ! So do the On-on-dah-gahs shout ! " While tho bateau with its strewed dead, Now straijiht. now sidowisc, swiftly sped, A face hero hanj;inf; — there a limb, O'er its stained sides : a picture grim ; Down at the mercy of tho flood, Marking its course with trickling blood. THE CARIGNAN VILLAGE. XXII. The sun had vanished — a golden rim Striped the western horizon's wall; Tho forest arbors were fading dim. Twilight was letting his mantle fall. XXIU. 'Twas a sweet landscape. A village stood In a rough clearing enclosed with wood. Log-built cabins, a palisade. Pierced with two gateways, around arrayed ; Thence to the ('at.-a-ra-(|ui's glass. Were wavelike meadows of velvet grass ; Grain fields growing, and pastures groen. The Carignan Village. 77 Fallows upottcd with stumps ancJ black, And forostrchoppings — a choked-up scene, Showing the axe's recent track. AH else was a wilderncHS, thickening to sight, Each moment beneath the first shadows of night. XXIV. Oxen were plodding like snails along To the open gates ; ond with careless Bong The ttler was lounging behind ; the bleat Of flocks approaching their folds was sweet. Along the paths of the wiudiMg lanos Herd-bells won' tinkling in fitful strains, The kino ni.w striking, now stopping to feed. While frequently neighed some scaniporiug steed. Hunters from woodlaiid avenues canie Followed by hounds, and burthened with game ; And from the far hill-lots echoed free The sounding axe and the cra-hiwg tree. A sylvan picture, this wiKlwood land Sketches alone with itx rough fVesh hand. XXV. Over the brow of a hill that towered Auove this landscape — in woods embowered. The shaggy head of a cedar shot In a slanting line from a hollow spot. Tangled with bru.shwood, and in its breast Deeply his limbs had an Indian pressed; I 78 FllONTENAC. CftutiouHly, HtondCustly, tliri)iij;li tlie f;reoii. Ho (Irow his oyo o'or tlie villugo speue, Tlion gliiliiij,' tldwii to the liollow, whore Kat'li fthiidowy bush wiis nil liiJinirH lair, Tlie At-()-ta-h() also i'ouiul The dejitli.s of one of the thieket« round. XXVI. A youthful couple beguiled the night, With talk hy the social eaiidlolight. "One nhort year, ns man and wife, Wo, Marie, have .skiinniod tho .-.troani of life; One Hhort year from to-day : hast thought Of the lovely picture the sunset wrought The eve we wed '! My sire, who then Dauced at our glad merry-making, said ii put him in mind of the day ho wo'' ''is load ■■ Una, siuht of awo, "I poiut ilio current drove, luber the largo bateau ; "r llago two nights ago, "in 1-0 Bus, nnd Vigno, ith tlio danoo on the ntarlit greou I .iti;iiu was, stained with gore, and limbs liung ghastly o'er — Beached on (Ik: point: ho approached with dread, There lay the crow — our poor boatrniMi — dead, Scalped and mangled, displaying plain That Iroquois dcvil.s 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 bo sure that to-morrow he'll 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. From the gusty forests passed Swift approaching shapes at last. 12 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) , 1.0 ^1^ 1^ ^^= Ui tM |2.2 1.25 1 1.4 1^ ^ x« *J ^- — W 1 ^ w V Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STRUT wnSTER.N.Y. 14580 (716)S73-4S03 ;■ "■ '>:;■ '*r :" ■" ■■-■■,-■■■ ;V'-;-.; ".-■;" "■""■'V^V?",-"/ •r;. :';:V-^^:-- : :,. , ^ ';-, ;:-v ';?!-'^;:;;> V;- '^H; " ■ ^: ?' ' '' "''" /.'- -.-.y^-'-' ;:■■:: : ■-■■'.: -'^rv-'" •■' ■■-'' ■ ■ ' ^ •■',' ^.^ ^^ 80 Frontknac. 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 tlie Carignan flies. The hatchet gleams after — he sinks, he dies ! The daughter is brained as she shrieks in dread, The hairs of the grandsirc are steeped in red. Mothers, imploring in anguish, fall, Infants are dashed against threshold and wall. Ah, the young husband I he starts from his dream ! Ah, the young wife ! she but wakens to scream ! Those whoopings and shrickings, and 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 aspct of fire, While trembling, half frenzied, his 3Iarie is nigh. "Oh, husband! oh, husband!" her agonized cry; " My brain reels ! oh. Virgin, most holy ! we flee In this time of our need for protection to thee ! Let us hide ! no, the torch will be here too, we'll gain The forest, we'll steal through the herds in the lane ! Come, husband ! oh, husband, come ! haste ! let's begone ! Oh, God ! 'tis too late ! here their glances are drawn ! " Ha, that shock ! she screams wildly, down crashes the door, And a brave bursts upon them with tomahawk o'er. The Gabignan Villaqb. 81 " Spare, spare, Dawn of morning I " but downward it sinks, The blood of the husband laid prostrate it drinks j 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. XXIX. 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 ; Bleut with the Iroquois war-song loud. Pealing from out of the smoky shroud. " Hooh ! hooh ! how the sharpened knife Has gleamed again in the war-path's strife ! Hooh ! hooh I like the lightning red. The On-on-dah-gahs have flashed in dread 1 Hooh ! whoop I like the lightning red. The On-on-dah-gahs have flashed in dread !" 82 Frontenao. At midnight the village drew slumber's sweet breath. At dawn it was hushed in the stillness of death ; At midnight roofs rose in the wild gusty air, At dawn a wild waste of dark ashes was there; While the fierce At-o-ta-ho, more vengeance to claim, Was again on his war-path of carnage and flame. THE 13RIGANTINE. 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 Dawn of Morning, now Bending his ear to the glassy waves. In front 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. And in 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 oT her sweeps ; The Brioaniine. Then dropping her anchor the beautiful bark Motionless sits in the gathering dark. 88 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. Stood on her decks as she downward drew. And kissed, with a curtsey, the river's cheek ; The Iroquois At-o-ta-ho too, Ku-an was there, and with his glance Of dread ^icowled Ta-yo-ncc 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 At-o-ta-ho ; deeds of fear By this young Dawn of Morning 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 In its pleasant clearing three days ago, ' Tis a waste of ashes now, slaked with blood ; 84 Fbontenac. The At-o-ta-ho led his band On it with hatchet and with brand; Not a dwelling now rises there — Not a soul did his fury spare — Frontenac well the day should rue, When the wrath of the savage he kindled anew." XXXII. The frog's hoarse bassoon, the loon's sorrowful shake, Alone the deep hush of the scene now awake ; The sailor thinks fond on his watch, of the spot Where rises mid vineyards his dear native cot. Once more his free footsteps press valley and plain; Once more the glad harvest is sounding its strain ; He is there — ho is there in his home of delight — Ho starts, he looks round, the lake gleams on his sight, But the starlightcd hush again falls on his soul, And his thoughts again fly far away to their goal. XXXIII. A haze has now spread a thick mantle of gray. The waters are hidden, the stars shrink away; From the roof of dark cedars quick movement)) begin. How silently, silently, onwards they win 1 Still silently, silently, every canoe Still urged the gray waters invisibly through. Like barks from the spirit-land, spectral and dim. So still fall the paddles, so light is their skim ; The Brigantine. 86 Still silently, silonfly, onwards they glide, Thoy reach without question the brigantino's side ; ForniB spring up the vessel — hush ! hush ! not a sound ! They peer o'er the bulwarks, the sleepers are round : They grasp now their hatchets, all caution is past, To the deck, to the deck, they are bounding at last! Up, up ! Dawn of Morning the foremost is there ! Quick, quick ! how their shouts ring abroad on the air ! Upstart the pale sleepers, and wildered by fright, And with senses still swimming, they stand to the fight, Hand to hand is the battle, clash cutlass and knife ! Clash steel-pike and hatchet ; wild, wild is the strife ! Ho, the young At-o-ta-ho ! his eyeballs are flame, And the blood of his foes is splashed over his frame ! At the sweep of his hatchet one plunges in death ! At the dart of his knife gasps another for breath ! God save the poor seamen ! no succor is nigh ! Christ save the poor seamen ! they struggle to die ! They are borne to the deck, o'er the sides are they cast; The water grows red round the brigantine fast. Till nothing remains of the crew but the dead, Then over the vessel deep silence is spread. Off darts the canoes, smoke the doomed bark surrounds. On the lines of the rigging flame flashes and bounds, Red pennons stream out from the red-circled mast, A glare all around on the vapor is cast. The waters blush crimson ; but wildly and high The Iroquois war-song goes up to the sky. " Hooh ! hooh ! how the hungry fire Has wrapped the French in its leaping ire ! 86 Frontenac. Hooh 1 hooh I liko the torrent'8 flood, The On-on-dah-gahs have rushed in blood ! Hooh ! whoop I like the torrent's flood, The On-on-dah-gahs have rushed in blood I BND OP CANTO THIRD. * -' CANTO FOURTH. THE THANKSGIVING DANCE. THE DANCE OF THE GREAT SPIRIT. KOLAH. THE EXPEDITION. THE BIVOUAC. THE ABDUCTION. THE RESCUE AND DEATH. 18 CANTO FOURTH. THE THANKSGIVING DANCE. I. S'^RIOHT ushering in the day of feast For Dawn of Morning's safe return From his rod path of anger stern, The dawn was flickoriug in the east. As the rich tints began to spread, Bravo, sachem, sire, boy, matron, maid, By the Priest To-ue-.sah-hali led In a lung file, slow treading, wound Thrice the Tcar-jia-ta-yo around; Then through the maize fields sought the shade. Where lay the customed offoring-glado. There at a pile of faggots dry, Heaped with dew-spangled forest flowers. Just gathered from their sylvan bowers, The At-o-ta-ho standing by. As the sun showed its upper rim. The gray-haired priest, with upturned eye. To HahAVon-nc-yo raised the hymn. The sun-iii't'u calumet ho bore. Sending its light smoke-offering o'er. 90 Fkontknac. 1. Hnh-wen-no-yo ! Mighty Spirit I Ilumblo timnlcs to tiieo wo rondor. Iliih-wcn-no-yo! Spirit viwt 1 Tliiit to our loviul At-o-t«-ho, At-o-tn-lio, great and iiigh, Thou hoMt been a kind Jefoiidor In the war-pntli llmt U past, Warpath stained with deepest dye. And that Hale, O wine Creator ! Wise Creator, dwelling o'er! Ho returns to us ouco luoro. " Ilah-wcn-no-yo 1 Mighty Spirit ! Thou art to our league a father, Ilali-wen-ne-yo ! Spirit good I And around our At-o-ta-ho, At-o-ta-ho, chief of fauio. Thou dost robe of Bafety gather In the war-path past of blood, War-path filled with blood and flame. And thus safe, wise llah-wen-no-yo ! Wise Creator, dwelling o'er I He returns to us once more. ." T,... ^ . . J Tub Dance of the Great Spirit. f)l n. Ho conaod — otruclc ntoul and flint, aud firo Olittorud in dntH iipou tiiu |)yro; Tliun, OH tlioiifl'uriiig sunt itH Hniuko Uu \un\\, tho bruvuH tliuir dnnco nwoico ; Wliilnt Spiiric of Sunligiit by tlio fliimo, Tiiu rocking Htiiniping rin^ witiiin, I'riilMod Ntill thu Iliili-wun-uu-yu's nuiuo, Auiid thodruin'M* pulMntinf,' din. But, uH piiHHcd off tlio niornin^'H Hlmdo, Tho sncrifioial ritos wore Htiiyod Until tho NuuHot'H dipping; liK^'^i Wlicn Dnwn of Morninj;, at tho hoad Of nil hid bruvoH, would, in itH sight, Tho dancu of lluh-wun-no-yo troad. III. Ploasuro meanwhile ruled ovory 8oul, Tho bird-liko ball ttwiil Hoarod on high ; Tho Htruining rncora sought tho goal, Aud niookiug war-whoopa rent tho sky. THE DANCE OF THE OllEAT SPIRIT. IV. But now tho sun, in its dosuont, Its rich and strotchiug radiance bent ; • Qa-nn-ytb In Iroquola. 92 Frontknao. Suddenly Spark of Sunlight boat A great drum, planted iu the square : Censed 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, Aiiiid a general joyful shout Stepped Dawn of Morning'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. V. Ho strode with slow majestic pace To where his chiefest warriors * stood Armed like himself; then all the place Left for the sacrificial wood. Heading the long and dusky file, At length the At-o-ta-ho checked His footstep iu 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 ; * Ko-ao-no-wabna in tho On-oadah-gah tongae. Thh Dance of the Great Spirit. While age and childhood sought tho shade That thickly edged tho sylvan glade. 98 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 At-o-ta-ho forward came. Quick swinging 'n a dance his frame; And in a mild .. ■1 mellow blaze, Whore a soft golden carpet shone, Began, in quavering guttural tone, The Hah-wen-ne-yo's hymn to raise. 1. " Mighty, mighty Hah-wen-ne-yo I Spirit pure and mighty ! hear us 1 We thine own Ilo-de-no-sonne, Wilt thou bo for ever near us ! Keep the sacred flame still burning I Guide our chase ! our planting cherish ! Make our warriors' hearts yet taller ! 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 bo the keeper ! Mighty, holy Ilah-wen-nc-yo ! Spirit ptirc and mighty ! hear us ! 94 Prontenac. We thine own Ho-de-no-sonne, Wilt thou be for ever near us I " Mighty, mighty Hah-wen-ne-yo ! Thou dost, Spirit purest, greatest ! Love thine own Ho-de-no-sonne, Thou as well their focmcn 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 o bear in winter, To our valiant people's foenien ! Mighty, holy Ilah-wen-ne-yo I Spirit pure and mighty! hear us I We thine own Ho-de-no-sonne, Wilt thou be for ever near us I " viu. As ceased the strain, a warrior band, Arrow and bow reared high in hand. Arranged their files, and wildly da-slieil Into a dance with eyes that flashed : Now toward the west, and now o'orhoad. Ko-LAH. Timing thoir chantings to their tread ; While frequently the war-whoop rung In thrilling cadence from their tongue j The dull dead drum-stroke sounding low, Like the deep distant partridge-blow. 95 IX. With mingled grace and dignity The At-o-ta-ho 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. KO-LAH. The rite was o'er — the throngs were gone j The lovely sylvan glade was lone. The air grew dimmer yet and dimmer. Till outlines all began to glimmer j The sassafras commenced to mingle With the soft air-breaths fluttering round, O'erpowering, with its fragrance single, The other odors of the ground ; 14 96 Frontenac. While n young moon, with timid glance, Looked down from heaven's undinnucd expanse ; Her touch so faint on nil beneath, It scorned 'twould vanish at a breath. XI. By On-on-da-ga's * grassy side, An arrow's passage from the glade, III meltiiiL: tints the waters dyed, The sad but lovely Robin strayed. Oh, did she come of him to dream Beside the solitary stream ! Her sighs 'to mingle with tlie ■breeze That crept so softly through the trees I 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 l)reathless 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 throw ; The eagle with his soaring crest, Pi.sdaincd the robin's lowly nest. • Kun-da-qut in Iroqaoia, name for tbc On^on-da-gii rircr or creek -KO-LAU. 97 XII. As thus she mused, from out the wood Sudden a brave before her stood. Hatchet, fusee, and knife he bore, With the red cloak his shoulders o'er ; His brow was frowning, yet a smile Seemed called upon his face the while, Like a pale straggling moonbeam shot Within some wild and gloomy spot. XIII. She started, and a scream suppressed, Then lifted high her form, and turned ; IJut in her path, with laboring breast And a fierce eye like fire that burned, The warrior planted firm his tread, And in soft honied accents said : " The llobin seeks to leave in fear One who has loved her deep and long ; Will ne'er in Ko-lah's raptured ear The Robin trill responsive song ?" " Has not The Robin, Ko-lah oft Told that she cannot love ? " " Her heart At Dawn of Morning's glance is soft ! " " Cease, cease. The Robin will depart ! " •' Not till she, Ko-lah hears ! — that slave. That At-o-ta-ho ! that mock brave ! That coward dog ! who does not dare 98 Fbontenac. Like us to Icavo his bosom bare, But ever with that robo of white Keeps it close liiddcn from the sight, As if he feared an eye should see The deer-Iikc heart within him — ho Shall not The Robin have!" " Away, The Robin will no lonper stay ! " The warrior's strong grasp stayed her path. His shape dilated with his wrath ; lie clenched his hand as if to beat Her trembling frame beneath his feet; Then swept the frenzied tempest o'er, And in soft tones he spoke once more : " Listen ! thou know'st a moon ago Wc young men went to strike a blow Against the dist^iut Cherokces. Look ! the sweet, warbling Robin sees This little flower I their grassy floor Of open woods is covered o'er With blossoms thick as Night's bright eyes, And brilliant as the glorious dyes Of Hah-weu-nc-yo's bow, when he Makes the red lightning* backward flee. Their breath scenta every wind that blows. Like that The Robin's lips unclose ; The moon is like The Robin's face. The morn and eve her blushing cheeks. !-, * Ta-wen nc-niu In Iroqaoii. t, KO-LAH. And birds tho hours with music chase, Sweetly ns that The Robin speaks ; Look ! my war-pirogue * floata below, The Robin will with Ko-lah go To that bright land." " Unclasp thy hold, How darest thou ! Set The Robin free ! She will not go, fierce bravo, with thoel" '• Then Ko-lah takes thee ! " In the fold Of his strong arm her trembling frame He swept, and toward the river went. The Robin shrieked, and forth the name. The deepest in her bosom shrined The foremost ever in her mind. Of Dawn of Morning loud she sent. 99 XIV. As if that cry his presence woke. Out from the woods a figure broke. One hand a glittering hatchet clenched. The shrieking maid the other wrenched From the base Ko-lah, who, thus foiled In his dark purpose, back recoiled With burning rage, yet abject dread. Stamped wildly on his visage red. And gazed in fixed afi'righted stare On Dawn of Morning towering there ; AVho looked on him in turn, his form Loftily swelling with a storm * Kah-wfl-yah In Iroqaols, 100 Fkontenac. Of high disiliiin, jot burntiiig wrath, As if tho reptile in Km path To crush; but from his features passed The nuger, and ho said at last, Lifting his figure to his height, With eye that shed disdainful light And pointing his contemptuous finger Before him, " Why does Ko-lah linger ! " Then as the wretch shrank, cowering low, As if he would, yet dared not spring. Ho felt in heart so base a thing. The At-o-ta-ho uttered "do!" And looked at him so stern and high That, shuddering from his searching eye. The savage turned ; and when again, In accents of more deep disdain. The At-o-ta-ho his command Spoke, sweeping out his pointing hand, With a low cry of rage, yet mien Weighed down by fear, he left the scene. XV. The At-o-ta-ho, with a look Of deep and pitying kindness, took The hand of the half shrinking maid, With pleasure IJu-'^hing, trembling now. Longing to thank him. yet afraid To lift her moist eyes to his brow. Or speak K-st glance or word betray How deep within her heart his sway; The Expedition. 101 Then loft tbo river — passed the gla Jo And bolt of wood — and trod the luuizc By one of its four tjuarteriug ways All stooped in dusk, until ho made Tho glimmorinj^ palisades — then straij,'ht Both entered at tho closing gate. THE EXPEDITION. XVI. Pacing tho Castle's gallery, Over tho verge of tho rock outspread, Whence the vision roamed far and free, Slow passed Frontenao's musing tread. Back in golden and sapphire blazo Sent tho river tho sunset rays ; Below were tho roofs of tho warehouses, bright In straggling and long-reaching pensilos of light, Though dim wore the streets, with forms dwarfed small Creeping between the buildings tall ; Down tho vale of St. Charles shot a mellow beam. But hid in tho depths of its bed was tho stream ; Above it a pinion of hovering mist By the soft yellow sun into splendor was kissed ; Between, broad meadow and level grain Smiled in the hour's enchanting reign ; While on the basin's lake-like breast Was tho long spread island in lustre dressed. Dividing the flood that but parted to moot, And sink like a vassal at Ocean's feet. 102 Fbontbnac. XVII. It wot) n Hwcct and placid hour, Wlioii purest feelings nnd tlmughfn hnd power, And the stern old soldier felt his breast Hushing itself into holy rest ; But the cares of his rule again bore sway — The angels flew from his heart away — A figure approached him : •• Ha, Lavergue I Welcome ! for thee is a duty stern ! Hand thee together a hundred men ! Hasten and sweep every hill and glen Where'er thou canst meet with the Iroiiuois foe, And scourge them with bloody unsparing blow ! Take too this Ko-luli to be thy guide, The Indian who joined us last even-tide ; 1 think we way trust him I Some wrongs, he said. The proud At-o-t«-ho liad heaped on bis head. Away, and when next thy face I see. Thou kuowest what tidings will gladden me I" THE BIVOUAC. XVIII. The moon in glorious beauty glowed ; The heavens were one resplendent sheet, And her white lustrous mantle flowed Over the forests at her feet. The Bivouac. 108 But only horo and there ii ray Of silver pierced n Hunkcii (,'lon O'orhung by trees, scorco light by day, In which were hid a throng of men, Couriers do bois with hunting-shirt, Blue-girdled llurons of Loretto, And pikemen in their buff-coats girt, Wore in this gloomy hollow met. Armed with their different weapons all, As if prepared for instant call. A youth beneath a hemlock's height. Stood with plumed hat, and cuirass bright, With an old pikcmau at his side. Erect and grim in martial pride, Each viewing the wild bivouac round ; Some stretched at ease upon the ground ; Some busy at their sylvan meal ; Some causing fragrant wreaths to steal Their hatchet-calumets from out; With others, chattering, grouped about. At length he spoke : " No more delay. La Croix ! this moon will guide our way ! We-un-dah — such our captive's name. Doubtless a chief of power and fame, So high his pride — by morning's light May by his tribe bo missed, and thus Liugeriug near Dawn of Morning, might To my small force prove dangerous. And Ko-lali ! he is gone I hear. The dog 1 his treachery too I fear ! 15 104 fjlOJfTENAO. liasu.', k«t(i>. //(^ Croix : prt'pnro tlio mou ! ThU iastaut iuu«tt we loavu tho gluu." THE ABDUCTION. XIX. Tho Bamo broad moon — ni^ht'H radiant quooD ! Wiix Hiuilin(( un n diffurunt Hcuno. Tho Ou-un-duli-Kuh iiiaizv-iiuldH Klcnuicd, Tho rivor fliuthi'd, tho woods woro bright, Aud tho low rouiidod ludgos aoomcd Oroat silver hoImct« in tho light; (iroiit ax thoHo ua«i(uu.s tiio funiix of stone J>iMjiiayod — foriiw tcrriblu, uiiitnuwu! Told by tho Hires with Hhuddoriiig i'right, Tiint caiuo in their doHtroying might, Till pitying Hah-wen-Mc-yo cant Destruction on their heads at last. XX. Within tho slanting picket's shade, Outside the gate. The Robin strayed Id all her sorrowing beauty's prido. Her friend, The Hlossoiu,* at her side ; In silence ' nth were bound ; — tho one Was dwelling on her being's sun, • O-uU-ea In OnK>n.d«b-gib. TnB AitDit'Tios. Whoiio kind, kind lookx and worda, when loat By liiN lier timid footHlep pnnsed, Hud duupvnud lovo within hor heart, Which only cotild with life duport; With Ko-lah rining like n cloud, Kver thot hour's Hwcot light to Rhroud; The other, in hor nympathy, Mutu in hor itpeooh, but with quick view Noting tho distant Htrcam — tho tree At hand — thoroaiso — the raoon — tho dew- And thinking with delight perchance, Upon Honio future feoMt-day dnnee, Or on 80U10 youth whoso duedii had wove Around hor heart tho not of lovo. XXI. Tho two alono disturbed tho scono, Hlceping beneath tho droiiuiy sheen ; The sunset bruezo had sank to rest l^pon tho forest's leafy breast ; While tho fiold-cricket's silvery trill Made tho deep sileuoo deeper still. XXII. But as they passed a thicket, dashed An Indian out, — his hatchot floshcd, — The Blossom fell in blood ; — ho caught, Tho swooning Robin, — then liko thought Rushed througli tho luaize, and struck the woods, And skimmed tho moonlight solitudes 106 Frontenac. With a fleet foot that, as it sped, Seemed drawing strength at every tread, Till a short league bad flown, and then Entered a gloomy, shaggy glen ; Through a wild throng, unheeding, passed. Who seemed in preparations fast About to leave the shadowy dell ; And, striding where a moonbeam fell Upon a plumed and cuirassed youth, " Ko-lah " exclaimed, ''would prove his truth ! See, brave of Yon-non-de-yoh ! here" — Down placing as his feet the maid Who, now recovering, looked in fear Bewildered round, while accents strayed Hurried and broken from her lips, Betokening the mind's eclipse; •' Is Dawn of Morning's pulse of life! " Then his fierce eye more venomous grew. He hissed the words his clenched teeth through, •• Hoohl Yon-non-de-yoh has a knife!" THE RESCUE AND DEATH. . XXIII. I'p Mountain street's steep winding track. As evening's mists began to curl. Two of the guards of Frontenac Went with a stag-like Indian girl. The Rescue and Death. 107 Upon their left, in glimpses seen, The low and straggling huts between. The rock, where stood the castle, stooped Sheer down, then sloped with thickets grouped. The battery flanking it they passed. Entered the Place d'Armes spreading vast, Thence, through the opened sallyport. And, crossiiig the broad castle court, Said to the sentry at the door, " Speech of the noble Governor!" XXIV. Within a room, the gallery next, Where hung a cresset from its beam, Sat Frontenac, his forehead vexed With musing, in the ruddy gleam That faded gradually away. Till lost in nooks and angles low Save where glanced back by antlers gray. Or where a corselet caught a glow. Upon a map his eye was placed. On which were lakes and rivers traced, • With Indian trails all o'er that wound, And Indian castles scattered round. Bearing the well-known names that showed There made the Iroquois abode. XXV. He struck the floor — a guardsman came. •• Meux ! tell the Count Lavergne I claim 108 Frontenac. His presence here in two hours' space ! " And down once more he bent his face. I j XXVI. A rnp ! — the door at his command Opened — the bending guards there stood, The Indian girl erect, at hand. " Your errand speak ! " " Within the wood That stretches by St. Charles's flow, Where lie had gone to hunt the deer, Ko-lah was found an hour ago Dead, by the young Carignan Pierre. Scarce had Pierre told to us the tale, Meeting us by the water-side, When o'er the basin, from a veil Of shadow a canoe we spied. This Indian girl alone it bore. And near our post it found the shore ; She You-non-de-yoh sought, she said. And here direct we bent our tread ! " Frontenac waved his hand — "Depart!" Upon the girl then glanced his eye; Still reared erect, her Indian heart Shown in her presence proud and high. Her features wore a lighter hue Thau that her forest si.sters knew, But her full eye was dark and clear As the orbed splendors of the deer. The Rescue and Death. From her dark hair a feather sprung, Behind, the usual roller hung ; While fell a light loose dress of skin Down to her broidered moccasin. 109 XXVII. " What seek'st thou ? " — the deep voice was kind. And slight the girl her head inclined, Answering in tones so soft and low That Frontenao scarce heard their flow. " The Robin's voice is very sweet. Like the bird's flight her gliding feet, Her eye is like the star which ne'er Moves from its lodge within the air : But now that voice no more is heard Where late each heart to joy it stirred ; No more those light feet make the ground Burst into laughing floWers around ; The eye no more is sparkling bright, ' Tis filled with tears, and dark with night ; Will not great Yon-non-de-yoh's ear The Robin's sorrowing sister hear 'I So great a warrior will not keep The bird to tremble and to weep ! lie will not let The Robin's trill Be longer moan of whippoorwill ! No ! he'll restore the bird its tree, He'll set the poor lone Robin free ! " "Never!" fierce shouted Frouteuac, While his eye flashed, his brow grew black. 110 Frontenac. " Girl ! daughter of a bated race ! How hast thou dared to seek this place ! How, bold one, bow I art not afraid ? Tbou seek'st thy sister ! know'st not thou That Pawn of Morning loves the maid ? The dog ! who, could I clutch him now. I'd tread beneath my feet, and make His death-song echo at the stake 1 " A wild light glanced bis features o'er, And sternly stamped he on the floor. While the girl's eye with sidewise lift Glared with a furious fire, and swift Glided her band within her dress. Downca.st the eye, hand motionles.s Again, as Frontenac his glance Turned once more on her countenance : " But yet I will not harm tliee, girl I" His eye grew soft, his features caught A shade of pensive struggling thought : '• There's something that subdues the whirl Of passion in me as I gaze, Leading me back to former days I " '• Then Yon-nou-de-yoh will set I'ree The Kobin :" flashed the wild fire back Into the face of Frontenac : "Not till thy At-o-ta-ho's knee Is bent, acknowledging my sway I " Again the maiden's cowering eye Shot its keen, furtive, siduwi.se ray Like some fierce serpent's crawling nigh ; Tub Rescue and Death. Ill Again within, quick glanced her hand, Then all once more was still and bland : " My Canada father then will let The Blue-bird * on The Robin look ! " Frontenac's eye the maiden's met, The wrath his face once more forsook j His dirk a corselet struck — with speed Entered a guard — with softened tone : " This maiden to The Ilobiu lead, Let them remain an hour alone ! " XXVIII. The guardsman through the gallery led. Until he reached and oped a door, And when passed in the maiden's tread, He locked and barred it as before. The Robin on a couch was leaninsr, Her long black hair her features screening; A single lamp with feeble light Yielding the bleak bare walls to sight j But as the maid with noiseless tread Approached, and soft " Sweet Robin ! " said, Up to her feet she instant sprung With a wild cry upon her tongue ; Amazement, deep amazement took Possession of her staring look ; Then joy in brightest flash shot o'er Her face, and then a blush it bore, A blush so deep, brow, neck, and breast The rich and radiant tint confessed ; •Jo-gwe-TO. 16 112 Frontexac. She trembled, shrank, as half afraid, Wlieii took her timid hand the maid ; Her bosom heaved with quick delight. Then down she dropped her sparkling sight, With heart and soul all wrapped to hear The low tones whispering in her ear : "Listen ! when Ko-lah's hatchet fell!" The Robin here suppressed a cry — " Thy friend, The Blossom, did not die At once — she lived her tale to tell. By her poor sorrowing mother found, At morn stretched bleeding on the ground. The Arrow* on a deer's trail — then Saw thee with Yon-non-de-yoh's uieu ; With .speedy foot and heart with flame, Hither tlie At-o-ta-ho came Garbed as thou see'st hiui, with a baud Of his best braves to aid his hand. He met the base dog Ko-Iah — low He brought him with one hatchet-blow ; But e'er our Kvil Spirit's f ire Plunged the base warrior's heart in fire. The At-o-ta-ho made him tell Where Wi:ht, no Hound, But the slant rain, the dwellin(:H gmuped. And blast like that a warrior whooped. lie stood an instant — muttered low, " Should liawii of Mornin),' strike the blow To Yon-iion-de-}oh'.s heart, how liinh Would rise the Lenpuc's triumphant head I How Hah-weii-ne-yo from his sky. Hi.s glorious smiles would on us shed! lie pees! but yet" — he looked to wliere The maiilen sat — " she claims my care! ytill (lid not Yon-ni de-yoh boast, That underneath li: feet he'd tread Me, Pawn of Morniiii.' I me, a brave ! " His knife here (.'littered in tlie wave. '• The l)awu of Morning rni, unseen before, with cull For hell), the ehieftain backward pre.st, And drew a sword, while too the hand <)!' Frontenac found ready brand. The Indian gave one cry of wrath When thrust thus backward in hi.s path ; » The Hiwcuk and Dkatii. 119 1 'I'liuii, with u fucc all ilumu that ^ruw, Luiipuil likti It wild cat on thu two, Willi gniiNliiiin tcctli iiiiJ f:liiriii^' oyo, And kiiil'u niiJ Imtpliot lloiirislicil lii^h; Fnmtt'iiHo'H tliruHt ho jmrriud, wtiiycd Tho iithi'r'rt (|uick dtMcuiidiii^ blndo. With I'urioUM vicili'iiro tor life, lleru — theru — iill nmiul — now rnnod the Htrifo; Till! liidiuii'H t'linn Huuiiicd jiluiiivd with wiugH, So Hwil't IiIh ruxhings, hi^h IiIh Hiiriii^H; In HiimIh'm of i(uii'k lij:hl, hi-* hhiWH liu niiuod u|i tomahawk upon bis urui; But as iii middle air he swung. The castle bell rang out alarm. Stern clanged the tones along the air ; Down past him dropped a torch's light Tossed I'rom the gallery ; quick a glare. 17 -!/. 120 Frontknac. Burst from the battery nn his sight, Smiting iiitu a splendor iceun All the storu features of the scene: Instant a ball above him screeched — Echoed a deep aud stunning roar; Still down, still down he gliding boro, Hut now the line was severed o'er, And with slight shock, the slope he reached. XXXIV. Out still the bell's stern clangor rung, As down the slope himself he flung ; Before, amid the scattered way Of roofs through which his pathway lay, lie heard loud calls, and saw the glow 01' torches passing to and fro. lie paused — long, deep, full breaths he drew, His knife and hatchet grasped anew; Then, like an eagle in its wrath, He dashed along bis forward path. Hurrying and bustling forms were there, Scores of red torches fired the air, Gleaming on halberd, gun and knife, Hiistily snatched for unknown strife; The courier wild, the keen-eyed scout. Hunter, bateaunian, trader, all The dwellers of the suburb, call On one another, peer about. Wondering what enemy so bold The cajitle's tongue of iron told Within their strong aud guarded hold. I TuE Rescue and Death. XXXV. 121 Near and more near, with flyin}^ frame, The fierce and desperate Indian came ; Near and more near, eacli sinew striint;, Each thouj^ht on fire, still, still he sprung, And now within the space he rushed Where bright the flaring torches blushed ; Shouts rang out boldly on the night, And gathered all to bar his flig it. Swinging his weapon riglit and left, On, on, the At-o-ta-ho dashed. Amid the crowd his path he cleft, Forms dropped, cries pealed, and weapons clashed. On, on, the At-o-ta-ho still, Kight, left, his weapons swinging yet. And, cr a blow his form had met. Ilia pathway through the throng was won. On, on, the At-o-ta-ho .still, There was his bark, a figure light, With vigorous and determined will. Eagerly gazing, grasping tight The loop of a descending root, Steady for the approaching foot. He enters with a ringing cry, Meets with a smile The Uobin's eye. Then grasps the paddle — from his bow Swifter liis arrow never flew, Than o'er the Cat-a-ra-qui's flow Shot Dawn of Morning's winged canoe. 122 Frontknac. But quick a rifle rang — with cry Jiskoko dropped — a ga«p, a sigh. Poor loving maid ! poor loving maid ! His mandate she had not obeyed, But with an anxious heart had staid The watch herself for him to keep, Poor loving maid ! to look and weep, Alive to every sound and sight, Hearing the tumult with affright ; And Dawn of Morning, as the bark Turned round Cape Diamond's profile dark, Projecting boldly from the beaeh, Where not a shot the place could reach. Beheld, as down he bent his head. By the faint radiance of the stars From the rent storm's swift floating bars. But the locked features of the dead. END OP CANTO FOURTH. CANTO FIFTH. THE INN OP THE CANOE. WE-ANDAH. THE SUMMONS. THE ENCAMPMENT. THE ilAKCU. CANTO FIFTH. THE INN OF THE CANOE. T the rude suburb's wcstorn end A little inn of logs was set, Where oft, a social hour to spend, Bateaumen, hunters, couriers met. Above the porch, in rough daubed hue. Outside was painted a canoe; Within, a table stretched mid floor, With benches ranged at either side ; While shelves, in one paled corner, bore Flagons in glittering tints that vied. The carcass of a slaughtered deer At one side, carelessly was flung ; A bow, a pouch, a fishing-spear And Indian paddle, round were hung As afternoon its shadows wrought, The customed throng the tavern sought ; The courier rude, his coarse blue check Spread from his bare and sunburnt neck; The hunter in his green-fringed skirt. To match the forest leaves in hue ; 126 FnoxTENAc, And the bateaunmn in liis cjiirt Of red. and tassclod cap of blue. (ilasHcs wore in cacli hand, while rung In loud confusion every iongue. II. '' IIo, Boouff!" a courier said, "how now? Wliy dost thou i*how so grave ii brow '! A moon ago I saw thee track The Huron islands — thy canoe Heaped up with blankets, and thy crew So jovial! Did the lluroiisback Without a barter turu thee?" '• No ! But when their usual haunt I gained, The Hell-rook, empty huts to show Where they had been almii' remained. At last, a.s close we searche(l abnut, We found an aged sire; he said. While shook his aged frame with dread, That the tierce Irofjuois were out Upon the war-path, and were near, And off his tribe liad fled in i'ear. Ue told us then to strike the rock, And, short time after, to its sound, Sending o'er isle and wave its swell, Wc saw the frightened warriors flock Frot.i all the neighboring coverts round. Their safety-sign that rocky bell. To quiet then their fears we tried. TuE Inn of the Canoe. 127 But from their hearts had vaninhed pride : Ai.d finding talk of barter vain, Wc with our load turned back again ! " " And others," a batcauuian said, '' Can of the Iroquois own dread ! Lat •■ : i the setting of the sun, Within the Thousand Islands lake. Our crew had landed upou one, Our fires to light and suppers take; IJut e'er we struck a flint in brush, 1 chanced to look between a bush, And there 1 saw a great canoe Filled with the fiends swift paddling through. With Dawn of Morning casting look, The curst _ oung At-o-ta-ho round ; Close our bateau was in a nook, JJut never gave we sight or sound. And the whole band passed through the same, In wisdom as the demons came!" " How strange that l$eIl-rock. I have heard" — Thus thrust another in his word: " The Ilurons say, a towering form Is seen beside it, stand to take, Foretelling, though the winds are warm, And skies arc blue, that some fierce storm Upon the scone is soon to break ; And then he wakes a sound so clear And loud, it pierces every ear ; Warning his children on the wave To hasten homeward, ere the blast 18 *»':*' 128 Frontexac. Upon their liugeriiij^ barks in cast, Too (juick aud fierce for skill to save. KsclaitueJ a hunter, " As I went Basquct I along St. Charles's side This morn, I saw thy rifle bent To shoulder." " A huge panther died Beneath my aim, whose whine all uight Plunged me, the beast! iu sleepless plight. Fiends arc these Indians to 'he core 1 " 8poke the bateauman giving o'er A draught, and deeply breathing — ' Hush I Wo-au-dah there is lying!" — "Tuflh For him, the drunken wrcich ! so low lie '» fall'n. he's man no longer ! ho ! Here's drink for thee, We-an-dah ! sleep No more ! " With swiftest, eagerest leap, An Indian left a nook, aud flew To where the gla.ss was held to view. Quickly the rosy stream he ((uafTed, Then with delirious pleasure lauglied. '' Good, good, fire-water's good ! " — his clutch Another cup held towards him gained, And then a third one wild he drained — '■ We-an-dah loves the Pale-face much I " Then staggering back, his knife he drew, And in a dance his limbs he threw, While the rough concourse round him stood Aud mocked him iu their reckless mood; The Inn op the Canoe. " See ! li!i ! ha ! sec him as he hounds ! And hark ! hia war-whoop now he sounds I Hal ha ! ha ! mark him reel ! look, Fleer ! Look, Vaux ! a great brave have wc here ! A valiant warrior I hear him shout, ' More, more fire-water I ' Give it out, Good landlord! fill it to the brim. It vanishes at hia lips as fast As rain-drops on the water cast. Ah ! that has proved too much for him ! " And headlong on the floor he fell Stretched out., relaxed, insensible ; And as beneath their feet he lay, They spurned him to a nook away. Ah, forest chieftain ! noble brave ! Wert thou, indeed, so mean a thing ! Better have filled a warrior's grave. Thou eagle with a broken wing 1 120 in. Now, round the table, each one held A goblet, while a courier swelled His rough, free song, all joining in The chorus with tumultuous din. " Over the waters now we dash, Ever sing merrily, boys, aing merrily ! Ripples around our paddles flash. 180 FnONTENAC. Onward Hn mcrrilj', thus go wo ! Hound let I lie bowl (ly, QuufT, hoys, ((uaff ! I la! ha! ha! ha! Laugh, boys, laugh ! " A hunter then took up the strain, And pvaled it till all rang again. " Through the thick forcHtH now we tread, Kvcr sing niorrily, boys, sing merrily! Cra<'k goes the rifle ! the game falls dead, Otiwanl then merrily, thus go wo ! ]iound let the hnwl fly. Quaff, boys, i|uaff! Ha! ha! ha! ha! Ijaugh, boys, laugh ! " Then a batoauman p.issed the song. Rolling a volume lull along. " T'p, up the waters jvole we now, Ever sing merrily, boys, .sing merrily ! Tramp, tramp, tramp on each side of our prow, Onward so merrily, thus go we ! Hound let the bowl fly, (juaflf, boys, quaff! Ila! ha! ha! ha! Laugh, boy.s, laugh ! " We-an-dah. And tlmn nil joined thoir toiioft so deep, The very glasses seemed to leap. 181 "Thus with our paddle, our riflo and pole, Ever sing merrily, boys, sinj; merrily Wo go ihrougli lil'e, with the grave for our goal, Onward so merrily, thus go we I Hound lot the bowl fly, Quaff, boys, (juaffl 11a! Im! ha! ha! Laugh, boys, laugh !" WK-AN-DAU IV. Frontonac, in his usual room. Sat with a brow of deepened gloom : June's sunshine lay upon the floor, Through tho oped casement came the breeze, And the broad transverse gallery o'er lie saw tho distant tops of trees. A dark ancestral portrait glowed As, searching out each hidden dye, The sunlight o'er tho surface flowed. And woke to life brow, check, and eye. I 182 Flti'NTEN'AC. Hcoiilo n fnhlo wIuto lu" unt, A wciH'-limind orimclifil upon a innt, Whili! parcliiucntH, iiiiniH, nud toIuiuch lay Around in ncgliircat array. At k'linth ho rose, the tlircHhoIJ pawed, And iin the pillory stund, whuru vant The pniKpcct iipt nod to IiIh viow, Steeped in the sunHliinc'H ){oldcn huu. Below liini wa.i the plianni of air Wliorotho cliff foil; tlionee Hlopod the steep, Rocky and frroupcd with thickcttt, where FJrowsod tlio (|uipk piatH with many a leap. The lowor oity'n oliinineyH roHe Along the inarj.'o in lonj; array, While in its calm and smooth repose, Like air the broad curved river lay. A brigantino was creej)ing round, With it.>< one sail, Cape Itiamoud's bound ; ]Jy Orleans' Island a bateau Was, like a lazy spider, slow Trawling — the Jxiatmen, spots of red, Pushing their polos of glimmering thread, While field, roof, forest filled his gaze, , Till vanishing iu the soft gray haze. We-an-dau, 188 VI Uut Dou^'ht wat* there tu cliarm his oyu, IUh mind luut (lurkufad tu tho nky ; A bruoJin^ hIiuJo wuh u'ur titu gcutio, ^u gluriuuH in its Hunuiiur iiiieu. Again \m glouuiy mom hu sought. His bruw o'erspread with dn.'arior thought: — " Poor, poor Lavorgiiu I puur youth ! that he Should diu, bravo boy ! dufuuding mo ! And by tiiat bloody demon too I That Dawn of Morning I " — Deeper hue Fell on luH visage like a pall. " The Hire, and now tho son, to fall Beneath the tomahawk I " — Again That ilark deed of the distant past Was on his shuddoring memory cast ! LavLi'gne's dead form — his harrowing pain — His loneliness — tho evening gloom Darkening within this self-same room — Tho lost Lucille — that radiant child! And nhe^ ilu> young, the perished mother, T<' > eii with »uch depth of passion wild, Slain, slain, and, heaven I by hcrown brother. Awl he an Iroquois! That trick W Dawn of Morning's too ! Thus mocked ! Cheated ! The Robin's cell uulockod Before his very eyes, and he Attacked by his fierce enemy In his own room. — '• Without there, ho!" 134 FUONTENAC. A guard obeyed. "The Otter, quick ! " — The usual strides went to and i'ro Until the Huron ruuner eanie. " IJrave Otter I " — with an eye of flame — " Thy loot be now the eagle's wing ! Take the war-wanipum ! my command Bear, that the hatuhet through the land IJnburieJ be against my foe, The Iro(|U(iis 1 This arm shall bring At last those haughty nations low ! " The Otter vanished, and onee more Ilis tread he to the gallery bore. VII. At length in .Mountain street he spied Wc-an-dnh, with his sauntering stride. Across him seemed to flash a thought ; His room regained he. " Ho. Allaire!" Again the guardsman entered there. " Haste! let We-an-dah here be brought!" vin. The Indian eame — liis flushed swoU'n face Of deep (lebaueh showed wildest trace. His scalp-lock down neglected hung; Hound him a blanket soiled was flung ; Ilii) onee riiih leggings now were torn; His moccasins to tatters worn ; Ah, forest ehiet^ain! noble l)rave ! Wert thou, indeed, so mean a thing! m^"- We-an-daii. 135 Bettor have filled a warrior's grave, Thou caglo witli a broken wing ! IX. ' Twns but one fleeting week ago That, capturing him in chase, Lavcrgnc To Frontcuao the chief had brought. Soaring in soul, unbowed in thought. Beared before You-non-dc-yoh stcru And fierce, a foe, a fearless foe ! Taunting him as a brave should taunt, A brave whom danger ne'er could dauut. Yea I hurling scorn, as if ho stood Within his native forest free, Frontcnac captive at his side. Showing, through all, such glorious pride. That Dawn of Morning's self, had he Stood in his place, had not defied With sterner, higher, haughtier mood Or loftier wrath, his eueniy. That very night, as with his wound Lavergne's sword gave him in the fray. Painting within his cell he lay. The guardsman, as the hurt ho bound, OiFcred, alas 1 tho fatal draught. Which for the first time now lie (juaflfcd. As the fell fire within him ran, 10 186 Fron'tenac. He sank at once to less than man ; He chatt<;rcd in delirious glee Amid his feverish agony; And, as the first delieions glow lie felt, first poison of the foe I He thought the white man, that could make Such draught as this, his thirst to slake. Had greater power and skill to lift The soul on soaring wing, than even Great nah-wcn-ne-yo, who had given Only his tame and tasteless gift. Hour after hour ho drank the flame ; More strong the horrid thirst became ; More eager did he grasp the bowl ; Deeper and deeper sank his soul ; While Frontenac, with scornful smile. Marking by what a weapon he Could strike down his red enemy, One of the hated race, iu guile Hour after hour the stream supplied, Then for a time withheld the tide, Until the brave ! the warrior proud I The strong-winged eagle of the cloud I An Ou-on-dah-gah I — he that late Dared Yon-non-de-yoh in his state. And would have strode to fiery death With the stern war-song on his breath. He, he; oh, shame I oh, shame! subdued I Slave-like ! scourged hound-like I lowly sued At the contemptuous guardsman's foot, That Yon-non-dc-yoh still should give "We-an-daii. The stream by which he ceased to live, Save as an abject, groveling brute. Till Frontenac, in deep disdain, Yielded the devilish draught again. And, in pure scorn then made him free To roam Quebec at liberty, The mark — the sneer — the jest of all — How could an Iroquois so fall ! Ah, forest chieftain ! noble brave ! Wert thou, indeed so mean a thing ! Better have filled a warrior's grave, Thou eagle with a broken wing 1 XI. But now before stern Frontenac, The chief seemed struggling sore to call Some of his ancient spirit back ; He strove to lift his figure tall To its full height, and make his mien Show the pround warrior he had been ; But ah, in vain, in vain, his eye, From Frontenac 's now lenient gaze. When he would sock its glance to raise, Cowering and dim, away would fly. And there he stood, an humbled slave, Not a Ho-de-no-sonne brave. 137 XII. ' We-an-dah I " Up the chieftain rolled His eye at the commanding tone. 188 Fkon' vac, " A sweeping cloud of inidiiight fold Within ihy people's sky has grown And Yoii-non-de-yoh's ; in the trail Between us, sharp thick b.:ors nrevail, And soon will Yon-non-de-yoh's tread Bo on the war-path stern and dread ; Bui thou I thou art my brother, bravo ! We've buried in one comiuon grave The hatchet, trodden it down deep, And still between us will we keep The chain of friendship I thou wilt go, My friend and guide against mj foe ! " XIII. " Ilooh I " and the warrior reared his frame Proudly, while flashed his eye with flame, •• Ilooh ! " aad he flung his arm on high, As if to soar up to the sky, '•^ "S Yon-noii-de-yoh " — and his look Was lo.._' and sublime, as down On Frontenac it wildly flashed, Then changed it to a mighty frown, Mis lip with rage impetuous shook. And '"1 the floor his foot ho dashed — •^ Think tL H'c-an-dah is a dog ! " He clutched 'is knife with fury, " Rather "- Crated his teerli —'-my Canada father '• Back to his ct'l the bravo shall flog. Than he will lift the hatchet red Against his tribe or League 1 " And dread We-an-dah. Rang his shrill whoop, so loudly pealed, It seemed all objects round him reeled. 139 XIV. Frontenac started as at first This fierce defiance on hiiu burst, Then, smiling in derision grim. Signed to Allaire close by, who took A cup and flagon from a nook, A : 1 filled the goblet to the brim ; Thf! Indian threw one eager glance On it, in proud restraint then turned, And with majestic aspect stood j Then viewing it again askunco, lie clutched it, whilst his features burned, And drank it as a wolf drinks blood. Another draught then down he flung. And then another, still another. Then reeling up, with stammering tongue, Said, "Yes! Wo-an-dah is the brother Of Yon-non-de-yoh ! wliitonien all Ilis brothers arc ' tho brave feels tall ! His heart feels big ! fire-water's good ! It fills his veins with leaping blood ! lie goos whore Yon-non-de-yoh goes ! His foes shall be We-an-dah's foes ! IVhoop ! whoop ! fire-water's good ! more, more ! " Aud down he pitched upon tho floor. Ah, forest chieftain ! no'ule brave ! Wert thouj indeed, so mean a thing ! 140 Frontenac. Better Iiavc filled a warrior's grave, Thou eagle with a broken wing! THE SUMMONS. XV. IIo I ho I to the war-patli I with high lifted head. The Huron unhuriou the tomahawk rod ; The bowed Adirondiiek looked up with the knife Clutched keen in his hand for the ])itiles.s strife; The Ot-ta-wi'.'s wild W"v-paint glowed fresh on lii.s cheek As ho caiue the fierce hatred of ages to wreak; The rough hardy boatmen left river and lake ; The tra]>piT the beaver; the woodman tlie brake; The noble cla.-ipod corselet ol'. steel on his broii.st, For the glory that gave to existence its zest; The artizan elo.sed his dim workshop, and took His anjuebuse rusting for years in its nook; The soldier, who followed on Hungary's plain (^arignan's spnad flag, grasjied his musket again ; The husbandman, singing gay Normandy's songs In Canada's grain-fields, rose too with the throngs; The axe in the stumps of the cleirirj. was flung; No longer the hunter's sharp rifie-erack rung; The village was empty ; deserted the glade ; All came where the banner of France was displayed ; Ho, hii, to the war]iathl stern I'rontenac's tread Will dash to the earth the leagued enemy's head. The Encampment, 141 THE ENCAMPiMENT. XVI. The summer aun wns sinking bright Behind the wo^ " i of Isle I'errot ; Back Lake ft. Louis gleamed the light In rich and mingled glow ; The slanting radiance at Lachine Shone on an animated scene. Beside the beach upon the swell Scores of canoes ware lightly dancing, With many a long bateau, where fell The SUP, on polo and drag-rope glancing. Throngs were upon the gravellv beach Bustling with haste, and loud in speech ; Sonie were placi.'ig in rocky bateaux Cannon and mortars and piles of grenades; Some were refitting their arrows >\nd bows, Others were scanning their muskets and blades; Some were kindling their bivouac fire, Otlicrs were blending Their voices in song ; While othi'rs, contending With utterance strong, Scarce kept from blows in their rccklcs.s iro. XVII. Scabbard touched hatchet, and scalp-lock plume ; Wheeling platoons here and there forced room ; Ui Frontenac. The luJinu with girdlo and kuif'o was here ; Tlioro was the buff-coated musketeer ; Tlie ]>ikcmau's steel breastplate here flashed in the sun, By the swarthy Cauadiaa's lude halberd and gun ; The noble's gay niaullc and sabre passed there, By the hunter's rough deerskin and long shaggy hair; Couriers dc bois and batcauiuen, made gay By their sashes and caps, swell'd the mingled array ; While guttural accents and laughter loud, Blent with the tones of stern command ; Loudly arose upon every hand From the (juick, busy, and eager crowd. XVIII. O'er a fur trader's cabin, spread broadly on high, France's white standard saluted the eye; Below were the griffins of Frontenae gleaming In gold, on the breast of a pennou outstre:iming. Before the threshold the sentries went. Two of the guardsmen grim and tall ; There were the steps of the leaders bent. In and out of the audicuco-hall. XIX. The sunset tints from the lake withdrew. And now on the broad expanse were seen Here, rough Ot-ta-wa's tawny hue. There ('at-a-ra-tjui's sjilendid green. Onward flowing, disdaining to mingle, Either color distinct and single; The Encampment. And not till league on league wore passed, Did the liuett, so separate, blend at laat. 148 XX. As tlio twilight darkened round, Flame on flame existence found ; Stir and bustle ceased, and all Welcomed night's slow gathering pall. XXI. Circling a fire up merrily streaming, A group of pikomen and musketeers Sat with their corselets and weapons gleaming lied in the light. " 'Tis a sight that cheers My bosom, to see this warlike host Cooped so long in one dreary post ! " Said old Allaire. 'Yes! well sayest thou," An.swered La Croi.t. " I've vowed a vow To holy St. Ursula, that this pike Shall ton of tlie whooping demons strike ! " " Ten, fcayest thou ! should there be but one. And he Dawn of Morning, thy prowess were done ! " " What know'st thou of my prowess ! " " Naught. But if thou the Iroquois often hadst met, Les.H wouldst thou boast! ])o Nonvillo sought Our Seneca foemeu ! I cannot forget The combat we waged in the tli!ol--«ts and trees, 20 144 Frontenac. Witli our oroi'iiiiift niid Ncriieiit-liko oiii'iiiioH. Thoii Imlk'tfi piitturod like Imil iibuut; Ami tlioii tlioir liiJunus Imttlo »hout. It oleavo.M the br.iiii like u fiery diirt : In iimiiy a buttle I've borne a jiart, I followed Tiireuiie and ^'reat C'ondi\ but no'er Strove I before with enijity oir, And death uU about uie ! " • Allaire was in fear, Methiuks!" Kiif • fiw liri):lit linurn nwny. Ilorti Hill >if Orn." niiil Viuulrciiil , thoro ('nllitTi'M nod Kckancourt mocking; at care. H|i!irkliii^' ii'st mid wi(ty nloiiiii Hlint (I'lT itn' wiiioouji's ruddy Mlroitiii; And xtory, dubato, and leguiid old, With fr('((\iont Hiuifr tiiiio onwiird rollod. Iliirk I 11 V(iii'(? Hounds merrily ; 'Tis Huknucourt Hinging in light-liunrtcd gloo. " Tiovcly Fnincp I my nntivi' I'rnnoe ! At tliy nnnio my boHoin bouiidH! To my eye nweet viHionn daiiee! In III}' ear "nO music sounds ! Hail I tliy jjurple vineyards flowing' I Hail I tliy bri^'hf-eyed dauf:bters glowing I Of my life tliou seem'st a part, !iO\ely France! All, la belle Franco, (ilorious France, iiow dear lliou art! 8. ■' Lovely France I my native Franco! Famous are lliy battlefields : And where points thy (.'litterin;: lance, \ictory there her trophy yields. Hail ! thy high historic story I Hail I thy legends rife with glory ! Shrine, where bends my willing heart 1 Lovely France! ah. la belie France ! (jilorious France ! how dear thou art ! " The Encampment. 147 XXIV. An HirikN tho voii'u upon tliu iiiiiiliiudiii^' ihrnofr, Tho yuuiig L)u (iriiM takus up tlu^ tlirvuil tit'xoug 1. " Whot tlinuylit iiiukcH my licart with niriKt tendcrnoHH BWcU ? 'Tin tho thought of thy bcnuty, uiy Kwcct Oitbriullul To tho HoCt winil oam amid those forests vast, A narrow furrow, through the waste. Swiftly the .\t-o-ta-ho passed. The war-paint's black and crimson streaks Gleamed fiercely on his brow and cheeks; Upon his customed robe were spread Ilis battle (^;Lds in tints of red; Hatchet, fusee, and knife he wore, Ilis shaven head the war-tuft bore ; AVhilo a roused spirit, fierce yet high, Sat, like couched flame, within his eye. II. With a red girdle round his frame, Bi'hiud the tall pipe-bearer came. r 154 Fhoxtexac. NoJiUd a criuiSMii"(] caglo plumo Ovor ^^. brow of I'l-iuicuiietl gloom; No weapon bore i'-.', m\o on bigh A batcbet of vermilion dye. Til!': WJJ.!JKiLNJ:SS. Innuiii.i.iMe yUiM fiir Exttn^lcd, i)iv"i:i'l trtiuks v wocn, Kye-tan):!ii\,: iind ineguiar 'i U c'liis'.'d py biiio'k nr ruviiie. Trots, trees, c. vcrdHiit world, were round, i^tr:iif;lit. crncikcd, sliuif, I'acb seekiiipj lijrbt; Witb sonii- -i'l Bjiliiitcred. biirc and white, TfUinj^ the ligb'-iing's blastin;; bound. And now !uidth<.> was scon a path or prostrate tr'iiiks in cba is cast, "With upturned rootfi, dark c-irclos vast, iS:;,'t;s of the fierce tornado's wra'h. IV. Pines iijot the eye all tiissclcd o'er; Hcnilo-ks that fringy cones upbore; O.iks with their scallo; ed verdure; beechoa \Vbo.-:c nios.i the northward pathway teaches; Poplars, light-bueil and sensitive. The Wilderness. 155 To every air-breath all alive; -Maples, their red-steiiinied fblia;,'e flickering To downiest winds like streamlets bickering; Striped dog-woods, birches sweet, that stood The incense bearers of the wood; (irini lurching firs and laurels green, Showing the swamp's wet, clustered scene. V. Through this gigantic roof, the light Here, made some natural opening bright; Here, down a narrow vista swept; Here underneath dense thickets crept; Here, broken, struggling being found. Sprinkled like fire-flics on the ground. But scarce these colms few the sway Broke off the general hue of gray. That filled, subdued and soft, the air, Making a solemn twilight there. VI. This glorious sylvan scone showed rife Each stage of vegetable life. The downy sprout, the ground-bird trod Elastic to tlic downy sod ; The sapling with faint verdnre crowned, Low bending to the squirrel's bound; The tree, that towering strong and high Spread its green standard to the sky; 156 Fbontenac. Tlu'ii the iK'iid top with licliciiH dressed ] Then the dark hoHow in tlic breiist ; At Inst the lead prune lop, wit'i moss l-'lun;? like a shroud, its form across. vir. As liy the Indians passed, its lay The robin ceased and shot away; Off, like a flash the red-bird flew; Its gambol scared, the rabbit threw ; The craoklin}; of the under-brush Told of the deer's retreatin}; rush; With heavy wing, and croaking hoarse, Tiie mountain raven urged its course; Whih' now and then the ■ agle gray IVinted his beak and soa-ed away. ., VIII O'er some green glade now went their tread. Spotted with strawberries pouting red; Now by a t'ountain clear as dew Trickling its mo.ssy channel through; Now in a broad and sweeping aislo; Now in a deep and dark defile ; And now across the jagged bridge Of some tree fall'n from ridge to ridge, Forming between the hollow black, Where crept the .sedgy streamlet's track. 4 The Cataract. 187 THE CATARACT. IX. A steady sound, whoso rumblo deep Had lon^ been niinglinj; with tlio air, More loud and stern coiuuicnced to sweep, Till on the ear it seeiued to bear A mighty load ; the woods it filled With its grand volume of stern sound; Nature's most secret heart seemed thrilled. And every other tone was drowned. To the light wind the branches shook, Down sparkled on its way the brook. Flew in and out each merry bird, But not a sigh, diish, chirp, was heard. Over the trees a form of snuw Was towering, by the sunny glow Kissed into flashing diamonds ; bright That silvery shape of glancing light. Seeming as changing, quivering, there, Some hovering spirit of the air. XI. Well, well the At-o-ta-ho knew That shape, thus glittering to his view; Oft had he stood and on it gazed, As in its noontide pomp it blazed ; 158 Froxtenac. And when the moonliirht kies; The liixt in tl 'imler seemed to say, Kneel, At-o-t • 'lol kneel and pray I Forget thy dei i«, and with low brow, Think of the iluh-wcu-nc-yu now ! XII. 'Twas ()-ni-ah-f:a-r.ili there that liurled Its awful grandeur d'wn its rock ; Dim sign ol'that tlread shape a world Reeling, shall see, wlien with fieree shock He plants His tread on sea and shore, And swears that Time shall be no mure. Farther my harji is mate to toll Of the l»ublime — the Terrible. tup: skxkcas. XIII. The westering sun shot slantiu" Ix-aui Along a narrow winding streani, Bathing tlie ba.sswoods of the bank. Bending in interlacing fold, Leaping PANTirER. 159 Wlinso rich mid [luiuliMit I'lusters drank Tlio lij,'ht, till scemud they wrought of gold. XIV. An Indian ciif4le cluHtorod by, Girdled with palisudocs hi>;h. Within n gras.sy Hpnce thut lay Next to the l'orc«t, an array Of warriors in a circle sat, Each ci chcd upon his hear-skin mat. Solomuly passed the wreathing pipe Adorned with many a blazoned typo; While each fixed oyo and rigid face Of ilecp abstracted thought boro trace. LEAPING PANTHER. XV. At length a warrior rose, hi;* breast Bearing a snake, tattooed, its crest And forked tongue ready — with a brow Where care had driven its furrowing plough, And with a keen heart-searching eyo That flew around, each point to spy, As if some danger near to find Lurking beside liim or behind. 160 Fruntenac. XVI. 'Twn» I-P!ipinj.' l'iiMhawn of Mortiintr'i* faiiu" that fraught Willi vi'iioni foul bin I'viTy tliuiij;lit; II i8 power and !*way within hiit heart Kaiikled in Hleoplosi*, ccaw-loss ire, Hut yei. HO niutchli'SM wa.s bin art, He veiled from :ill the fiendish fire. Oft in the Union I'oa.-'t would is |iaj*sed they by That scareely eould the .light desery. Ho Recmcd a shadowy Hcorn to throw I'jion the At-o-laho's state Uy ((uick griuiaee — eye'.'s sidewise glow, lL.. LeaI'INO rANTIIKR. 161 Or tiiiic'H »li(^lii HiirfiiHiii — yet liii* huto WiiH Mu'iT di(*j)liij'L'il ill iijit'ii word ; And 111! thvHu ni^'iiN ho Hli|.'litly HtirruJ Tlu! inind, iiiiiif lii'i'dcd iit tlui timo; And Htill, HI) liirkiii;.' wax the Hliiiiu, That int'iMury by unwitting hjiuH ( )m lliiiKf straiifii) f!iru(.'s and HHiileH would dwell, liut then Hoinu avtiun hi^liand proud Of the younj; At-o-ta-ho liir Swept every doulit as I'roni a wtar The Htronj; blast HWecpH the trauHJcnt cloud. XVIII. For a brief iii.>itaiit sik'Tifly Like a tall form of bronze stood ho, Then rearing more erect his head And Ntrctebing out bis arm, he 8aid : — XIX. " Saebonis and warriors I each bin eye CaHt round; the huh about to die Once more, sends out bis loveliest blazo Ijigbtinj; our lod<:eH, frraves, and maize. Where these stand now, ye oft have heard, Brothers ! this heart holds every word. In timo of snows our old men tell. How by our sires the Kah-kwahs fell; Their sons will ne'er then slumber long Pe-o-BC-o-wah's huts within ; Rouse warriors ; to the war-path throng 1 l!) ,f 1C2 Frontenao. Here, glory braves can never win ! Our tomahawks arc tliirsty ! see How brij;lit thoy are I we'll let them drink Deep of the blood of llliiii ! Will any of my young men shrink '1 No I Nun-do-wah-fiahs never fuil When points Agreskoui? * the trail. Never the war-path did they shun ! Sachems and warriors ! I have done ! " XX. A loud " yo-hah I" burst out, but e'er Another eould his mind declare, A form strode in with lufty tread, A erimson hatehet. in his eling, Glaneed fur a luomeiit roiuul the rinsr. Then waved the weapon o'er his head. XXI. "The At-i.-ta-lio: " pealed on high; Kaeh brave leaped upward with the ery; •'The At-o-ta-ho ! " every head Wa.« bent ; again arose the shout •'The At-o-ta-ho I " ijuiek it sjiread Till every ijuarter pealed it out ; ■•Tlic Al-o-f;i-ho I " matrons, niaidi Cliildriii, old men, youths, warriors, all • The wargod of the IrcHiaolt. Leaping Panther. 168 Came rushing from the palisades, Housed by that hived and well known call. While the lean dogs that glaiieed about Joined their loud barkings to the shout. xxir. (irini Leaping Panther's eye fla.shod fire, As Pawn of Morning first strode in And burst on high the joyful din, Then lost his brow all trace of ire, And, bowing, he stood waiting till He heard the At-o-ta-ho's will. xxiir. Slow Dawn of .Morning swayed around The hatchet, hushing every .sound, While every eve to his was turned j And, by the crimson hatchet woke To flame anticipating, burned Flashing more fierce as now he spoke : " UravesI Yoa-ni)n-de-yUl, and poor, and dim liefore His radiance, beauty still That made my bosom deeply thrill ; To higher life my being wrought, And purified uiy every thought, Ci -pt like soft music through my mind, Kach feeling of my soul refined, And lifted me that lovely even One precious moment up to heaven. 165 XXVI. Tiiun, contrast wild, I saw the cloud Tiie next day rear its sabL crest, And heard with awe the thunder loud Come crashing o'er thy bhickening breast. Down swooped the eagle of the blast, One mass of foatn was to .siiijr hi";h. While the red Iiglitiiiiig..i, tierce and fast, tjhut from the wild and scowling sky. '^^■■fW'TiW^ t ,M. 166 Frontenac. Ami burst in dark anJ iiii,i:lity train A tunililing cataract, the rain. 1 saw within the drivinj^ mist Yf'nn writhing Htooping sliapos — the trees That the last eve so softly kisseil. And birds so filled with melodies. Still .>t conies o'er with its sweep, Like the braves on their war-path fierce rages thy deep. Thou art lovely, when morning breaks forth from the sky. Thou art lovely, when noon hurls his darts from on high. Thou a»* lovely, when sunset paints brightly thy brow. And in moonlight and starlight still lovely art thou. Gwe-u-gwe ! Gwe-u-gwe ! how sad wonld we be Were the gloom of our forests not brightened by thee; 170 Frontenac. Ilah-won-ne-yo wonld seem from his sons turned awny ;, Gwc-u-gwe I Owo-u-gwel then list to our lay. xxxni. Ah the kah-we-yahs touched the »horo, A band nl'dtlicr warriurs caiiie Fruui the tliic-k rank of wucids bt'l'ore, livuding beneath their forest game ; Tlie .sliMidor di'tT, soft, t'lidu-eved, As if in M)rru\v lie had dii'd ; The long-eared rabbit dangling down, Tilt' jiartridgo in its mottled brown, The shaggy boar in (^able eoat (taping with whitc-langed crimson throat, The wild-eat with its eye.s' green gleam, And wulf with jaws one (ijamy stream. XXXIV. Pausing uimn a little glade That edged with gra.".sy stripe the shade. In one great pile their irtime they threw, Around it in a eirele drew, Then in wild dance their forms they flung. While one, the -ing that headed sung : Tub Cayuqas. 171 1. " Kind Kiili-huh-t;oli !* Our glad prniso to thco wo send, Thou art the Gwe-u-gwcs' friend, Saying, ' Warrior, bend thy bow ! liook, brave, look ! the bear is low ! ' Saying, ' Warrior, aim thy gun ! Look ! the deer's swift course is run !' Kind Kah-hah-goh ! Thus our praise to thoo we send. Thou art the Gwe-u-gwes' friend. " Kind K'lh-hah-goh ! In thy robe of .suinmor LTcen Thou dost o'er our nnibush lean. Saying, ' Warrior, grasp thy axe. Hush ! the foi- is on thy tracks ! ' Ilush I hooh ! now in blood ho lies ! Wave his scalp before his eyes ! Kind Kiih-hah-goli I Thus our praise to thee "-e send, Thou art the Gwe-u-gwus friend ! " XXXV. Ceases the deep and droning strain. The hunters claim their load.s again, ■ The spirit of the forect, In tlio Cayuga language. 172 FllOXTENAC. Joining; tliu brnvc8 thon from tlio lako, All tu the caotlu, puthway tuku. XXXVI. IJiit wordu that tdltl mirpriso niid nwo, liiir^t rriiiii till' Iroiit. ami (.'iicli mic naw Upon a iiaki'd iiiuuiid tliiit stuoj Like a urooii Imftimi t'roin tlio wnod, Against tilt! backgniiiiid rich and warm, III posture ol'siipri'iiic coiiiiiiaiid IJoart'd til full height — a warrior form, A hatchfi lil'lod in his hand, lli'd as till! I. lushing I'louds that threw Upuii the laku their gurgcuiui huo. XXXVII A miiiiipiit's sileiico f-'il ul <>U^ 'Twiui broke by Xrc m; r.*' Tiiiipcst's shout, ■■The At-o-tvho! ' ii.i n'.iitk yell Itiirst then from every '.'. 'Trior there — •■The At-o-ta-ho!" far the swell Rolled (III the soft and sluiiiberin^ air; ■'The At-o-ta-ho I" deep the woods Thrilled to their inner solitudes; •'The At-o-ta-ho! " e'en the lako Seemed into that one sound to break ; Then the slmut I'ell, as, flashing, s]ied The eomer's eye across the cloud, The Oneii>a-. 178 And with hJH liiitehot o'vr hiit i> .i«l, llo spoke ill i.'ii ■>» tl,"" ML' ulini'i To every liowirii, tlo, The bloody Y(i.i-iinii -yi To Heek uh in our I'c ' Wurriiirs ! love yo ; 'Vi To ()ii-oii-diili-{;uli, bi.. '::ii»to! Each foot upon the truil li Owe-u-^wcs, rouse ! like euj,ii '^n I Warriors, nil Laitte ! ull uieet the liiu 1 " THE ONEIDAS. XXXVIII. Morning hud winged its rndianco down, Hathing oiio hall' the luMiiloek'N houd. Tipping till' dogwood's lowlier erowu, The liiurels then beneath it spread. The uiist hud I'urled its plumes on high. Blue robed the lute flushed, varied sky, And the glad birds their chorus gay Ilnd ceased, to flit from spray to spray; The deer had lel't the grassy glado And crouched again within the shade, And the whole forest realm once more A summer day's rich lustre wore. XXXIX. Ivu-na-wa-lo-ah's lodges too Were glittering in the golden Luc ; .0 * IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) *'A^. 1.0 Hi 12.5 ■^ Ui 12.2 I.I ^ y£ I 2.0 II '-^^ 11 '-"^ i 1'^ <4 6" ^ Photographic Sdences Corporation }3 WIST MAIN STMiT WIBSTH.N.Y. 14580 (716) •73-4S03 4' * 4f \ \ <^ 174 Frontenac. The circling palisades were bright And the short lanes were streaked with light, XL. As the great orb on tiptoe stood Upon a neighboring kuoll of wood, The prophet, a black bearskin spread Around his form, with solemn tread Came to the council house, reared low And long amidst the trodden square ; Pealed out a cry drawn shrill and slow, And 08 the echo died in air, Warriors in pomp of paint and plume, - Sires in bright robes that decked their gloom. Matrons and maids displaying bead And crimson skirt, round every head Thick strawberry-leaves in garlands spread The rich ripe fruit amongst, with speed The narrow ways came thronging through. And in the square their numbers drew. xu. There the young Roll of Thunder proud. Whose deeds were on the war-path loud, Stood in bis plumaged, painted pride, With the grim prophet at his side. The Strawbbert Dance. 176 THE STRAWBERRY DANCE. XLII. Now must the Council square's expanse Echo the usual Strawberry dance, And thanks each bosom render there To Fire and Water, Earth and Air. XI.III. The file, the council house around Was ranged: — first, Roll of Thunder high, Looking the brave, his actions showed ; The bear-robed prophet next him frowned. Upon the Orient fixed his eye ; And then, with sight that eager glowed. The stalwart warriors ; then the sires. Burning with all their manhood's fires ; • And last the women, every glance Flashing impatient for the dance. XLIV. Beside the council building's door The rude bowl-drum a patriarch bore. While took a youth beside him stand. With the gford-rattle* in his hand. * Gus-ta-we-ea, a gonrd filled with dry bsana. 24 176 Frontenac. XLV. Upon them, from the eastern sky, Looked Hah-wen-ne-yo's blazing eye ; His azure breast was o'er them gleaming With clouds in wreaths of spotless hue, A band of his good genii seeming The coming grateful rite to view. XLVI. The soft yet brilliant sunshine streamed On round-topped lodge and palisade ; In rising quick pulsations gleamed O'er the domed maize-fields nest arrayed, And flashed upon the leafy dress Of the encircling wilderness. XLVII. First, Roll of Thunder bowed his head To where the sun its splendor shed, Then waved his arm — the drum awoke, The rattle into clatterings broke ; And forward, with his rocking feet. The chief began the ground to boat. Swelling his guttural anthem struin. Followed by all the stamping train, Each joining in at every close Where Hah-wen-ne-yo's prawe arose ; While the long ring the square around. Like a slow coiling serpent wound. I The Strawbeery Dance. 177 " Earth, we thank thee ! thy great frame Bears the stone from whence we came, And the boundless sweeping gloom. Of our glorious League the home ; Thou the strawberry's seed dost fold. Thou its little roots dost hold. First of all the fruits that raise Gifts for us in summer days. Thanks, too, thanks we give thee, lowly, Hah-wen-ne-yo great and holy 1 Maker, wise ! of all the sire. Earth and Water, Air and Fire ! 8. " Water, thanks ! we safely glide On thy bosom long and wide ; In thy rills their way that take Through sweet flowers our thirst we slake ; Thou dost give the strawberry-vine Drink, when hot the sunbeams shine. Till its leaves spread fresh and bright. And its buds burst forth in white. Thanks, too, thanks we give thee, lowly, Hah-wen-ne-yo, great and holy ! Maker, wise ! of all the sire. Earth and Water, Air and Fire ! 178 Frontbnao. I I " Air, we thank thee ! for the breeze Sweeping off the dire disease ; Thou dost bring the gentle rains; Thou dost cool our feverish veins ; Thou dost kiss the strawberry-flower Nestling in its grassy bower, Till its little wreath of snow Swings its fragrance to and fro. Thanks, too, thanks we give thee, lowly, Hah-won-ne-yo, great and holy I Maker wise 1 of all the sire, Earth and Water, Air and Fire ! " Fire, we thank thee ! for thy ball With its glory brightening all. And the blaze which warms our blood. Lights our weed and cooks our food. To thy glance the strawberry swells With its ripening particles, Till the fruit is at our tread In its Loauty rich and red. Thanks, too, thanks we give thee, lowly, Ilah-wen-ne-yo, great and holy 1 Maker, wise ! of all the sire. Earth and Water, Air and Fire I " i-iiTtjifi. J^^* i-'KA. The Canoe Voyage. 179 XLVIII. The last loud strain had scarcely died, When a light form, with hurried tread, Strode to the panting chieftain's side. Uplifting high a hatchet red, A look — a pause of silence hrief. And then " The At-o-ta-ho ! " rung In voice of thunder from the chief — Forth, warrior, sire, maid, matron, sprung; " The At-o-ta-ho ! " echoed high ; It filled the woods, it filled the sky, With manhood's shout, and woman's cry. XLIX. " Hark, Oneotas ! " * loud and clear Now swelled on every listening ear The At-o-ta-ho's clarion tones — " Hark I Yon-non-de-yoh comes to tread Into the dust your father's bones ; Up, warriors ! ere the day bo sped ! To On-on-dah-gah as for life, Agreskou6 calls out for strife ! " THE CANOE VOYAGE. Two Indians in a bark canoe. Went skimming up a rapid stream • The Oneidas. 180 Frontenac. That lay in many a winding gleam, Tho dark primeval forest through, Here ou tho brushwood-tangled banks, Kose tht tall trees in column'd ranks; While slanting, there, they closely wove A thick and bowery roof above. Frc((Uout some great elm, undermined, Within the wave its boughs inclined, Causing the water, sliding dark, To wheel and fret in flashing spark. Dead jagged logs lay all about. Black from the shores protruding out ; The tips light tilting as the furrow Caused by the paddles, on them bore, Or, as the musk-rat scampered o'er. Scared by tho dashing to its burrow. Now the stream slumbered in a mass Of shade, like polished sable glass : And now it fluttered o'er its stones. In hollow and ocolian tones. II. The Tail Pipe-bearer's paddles wide. With rapid dips the waters spurn. While with his usual look of pride, Sits Dawn of Morning at the stern. Ench side the climbing laurels spread Their pink-tinged chalices o'erhead; And now and then the thickets fling So low across their sylvan bowers, The Canoe Voyaok. 181 The Tall Pipe-bearer's foatherB bring The spangled dogwood's creamy flowers Showered, like a sudden fall of snow, Upon the wrinkled glass below ; While in some sweeping aisle of green, The tassoled ohesnut on their sight, Where a long sunbeam casts its sheen. Sends flashes ({uiok of golden light. The broken, glancing rift from out, At the white moth low quivering o'er, Leaps like a flying-fish the trout, Then falls with echoing plash before : As threads the prow some channel narrow. The snipe darts from it like an arrow ; To his deep den of knotted roots The otter, a swift shadow, shoots ; Startled from his o'erhanging limb. The blue kingfisher leaves the flood ; Wades from the marge the heron slim, The gorgeous sheldrake seeks the wood. LII. But thickets, spotted n'! around. Dividing into th- '- the course. Till scarce a struggling way is found. Proclaim them uear the river's source ; And scarce the shallow waters now Float e'en their bubble of a prow. They seek the marge, the bark they lift 182 Frontknac. OVr Pco-wnin-Htn ♦ trood thoy swift, Thrending the hoIciiiii trooH that riao In Hhnpcf* ninjoHtio to the itkiuR ; And in the stooping light they glide Down wild O-wah-nah-dah-gnhV f tide, That Htcalx, with hroadcr breast, between The same close wilderness of green. Over this wild niagniflcence. Laced by the bright meandering streak, Solitude broods iinbroke. intense. Save when some speeding eagle's shriek Startles the air, or howl of wolf Issues from some black bordering gulf UII. Now liquid alleys pass they through. Mid sylvan islets set so near That, frighted by the switlt cannc. From one another leaps the deer. From tree-top to its opposite They see the flying-sijuirrel flit Slant on its membrane wings across The narrowed strip of ruffled gloss. Then, down the sparkling frothing rift. The quivering bark shoots free and swift, The Tall Pipo-bearer's ready skill • The Iro<|UotB nama for the portaga lietweeu Wuod creek aud the Mo- hawk river, t The Iroqnoii name for the Mohawk rlrcr. The Canoe Voyaor. 188 Wielding tho friiii light thing at will; Thu pointed rouk avoiding now, Fiiani, like miuio angry benr'H tUNk, churning, Id it8 blind pathway, then tho prow, Ai if by iuMtinct, Hufuly turning. MV. As gunsot iluHhcd tho Hky with rod, Thoy ciiiuo to whoro a lakulot spread, With domes of clay 'twaw spotted o'er, Whore bcnvcrs plunged and skiuimod tho wave, Whilst others, busily on tho shore, Tho sapling gnawed, or dragging, gavo Its leafy honors to tho tide. Towards the twined dam their prize to guide; But us tho bark amidst them passed, Tho sentry struck his blow, and fast Amid a shower of strokes all vanished, Till every sight and sound were banished Uf tho late bustling scene to tell, With silence settling like a spell, While passed the prow tho lakelet calm. And, bowing, crossed tho crashing dam. LV. Then, as the night its shadows wrought. The dim tree-slanted brink they sought. Where some wide spruce above them bent Its bristling branches for a tent ; 25 184 Fbontknao. And Hlumbcrcd till tho morning camo Firing thu hoarons with cheerful flamo, And Moat thum uucu luuro on thoir way, With wuudH uud wut«r» glitt«riug gay. THE MOHAWK'S SCALP DANCE. LVI. At last, oa in tho glowing west Thu Kun oncu more rolled down its oroat, They camo to where a creek laid down, At the broad ntrenm, its Hiibjeet crown. Upon the bank, with maizeticlds green, An Indian palisade was 8ecn; Between it and the brink, a ring Of painted braves e'en now was forming; As sought tho bark a bush — tho swing liegan, the dance each moment warming; Till, while the drum gave measured stroke, Tho scalp-song of the warriors woke. 1. " Whoop tho whoop ! danco tho dance ! JiCt tho knife and hatchet glance I I'oal aloud, aloud, tho strain I I'c(|uod dogs ! they mourn their slain ! Mourn their slain ! tho i'e(|uod dogs. How they seek the clustered bogs ! TiiK Mohawk's 8cai-p Dancb. Wiive thoir bloody soulpM on high ! I'w|noJ ilogM I how low th«y liu I Low thuy liu I the ground ix rod ! l*ui|iio(l dogs I they mourn their dead 1 (Jriiiit AgroHkoiuM to theo SwoHh our «ong of victory I 185 '• Soo our wiir-path I far it wimlf*, IVi|uod hunting-groundM it finiia ; ijcurcti uur mark on eiirth wc make; Now wo glide uh gliduH tlio simko. l'i'(|Uod dof;H are clunibcriiij,' ducp, Near, ctill near, moru near wc creep : Now wo climb the palisades; Not a sound the air invades. Not a Hound I crash, crash I In the lodges now wo dash I Now wo dash I our hatchets fly, (ilciini our knives I They die! They die ! Gleam our knives ! their scalps we wrench 1 Wood in streams their eastlo drench ! Pe(|Uod dogs, like K vcs around — See ! they pile the very ground ! See ! they bend like women now ! Whoop I our foot is on their brow ! (ireat Agreskoui> ! to thee Swells our song of victory 1 < 186 Frontenac. LVII. Ere the loat shrill-toned echo sank, A figure climbed the shelving bank, Holding a tomahawk on high. Gleaming in deepest vermeil dye, "The At-o-ta-ho!" loudly sounded From every lip, and toward him bounded The Knotted War Club. ♦ " Mohawks, hear ! " The At-o-ta-ho, uttered shrill — " Your battle-whoops peal louder still, To red Agrcskou6 so dear. Braves ! Yon-non-de-yoh comes ! His feet Are on the war-path ! Men of blood ! To On-on-dah-gah like a flood This Matchi-Manitou f to meet ! Away ! stern Bears ! in all your might, Ere on ye dawns again the light ! • Te-an-tc-ka-no in Mohawk. t Matcbl-maDiton, bad i>pirtt. END OF CANTO SIXTH. CANTO SEVENTH. THE MARCH. THE WAR DANCE. THE COUNCIL. THE QUARREL. THE PRIESTESS. THE SACRED FLAME. CANTO SEVENTH. THE MARCH. AYS sped along, the rude flotilla traced The shoreward waters of Ontario's waste. Up the Oswego's narrow rapid tide With struggling efforts the invaders glide; On either hand the crowded forests gave A sombre darkness to the rushing wave ; Banner and cannon, pike and corselet cast Unwonted glitterings as the focmcn passed; Upon the oak-tree's scaly breast they flashed, Out with a scream the startled eagle dashed. Within the thicket's depths a gleam they flung; Forth with a snort the brown bear awkward sprung, tjuick slid the ottor down the shelving brink. Back shrank the doe and fawn about to drink, The beavers plunged within each mud-built hut, As through their dam of trees a path was cut. Ha! look, proud Frontenac! upon yon tree The haughty savage still casts scorn at thee ! Drawn on its naked wood in tints of red Thou, with the warriors of thy host, art spread; 190 Frontenac. While nt the roota the hundlud rushes show The stern defiance of thy tawny foe. n. Broader gleamin iV>mi tho diinplitifj rivi'r; Amloutbrcnkit.lcwHiinnjilod thicitotond tree Iut<) a uhortu ol' harmuny. XIV. Now was dinpiiiyi'd to luany a f^to All Indian coming,' through tliu umizo. A nearer view, •• We-an-duh I " hij;Ii AroHo the jiiyl'u! Wfii'iiiiio ery ; Tho warriorH ruslicd to meet him, eucli With outntretehed hiind and kindliest xpcoch, For, towering in the trii)e, Ktood lie A brnvo of wide authority ; Ilis a sfronK ''"art tlint ne'er lind drooped, ilin a proud Boul that ne'er had stooped. XV. lie strode almg with hasty troad And in I . coweriii„' hnik waw dread. Dread blent with shame as if he strove To lift his heart the fear above, Hut could not; still, while welcomes warm Gave the glad warriors, crowding nigh, Ho for tho instant, reared his form, As in his past days flashed his eye, And, with his usual mien, ho gave Salute iu turn to every bravo. Tmu Council. 109 And fi^ouu tho cruvou hI^^ii that iiiuit At tlio rifHt Hi^ht havo rouHOokuil-ti;r luootinK Ut' iKithiiiK thought ))ut joy of ^rootiug, For riri Wv'UU-dah ovi.'ry bruiMt RupoHud in i'ull implicit rvHt ; And ull wuro UIUmI with deop dulight That ho, 0Hca|iiiiK from thu foo, Had oomo tu uid thuiii with \\m uii^ht At Yon-uon-dc-yoh'H threutcnod blow. Ah, ii)ro8t ohioitiii 1 1 iiiihi« bravo 1 Wert thou iudi'i d hu moan a thing I Bottor havo filled u turrior'H (;ravo Thou oagle with i broken wing t XVI Where tho grim wor-dani'. lately whirlrd around Once more tho warriorn oriiuohed upon the ground Tho tints retouched on ever thoughtful foco And every weaiKin quiet in \ :s place; Sachems, and th68o in yoara nnd wisdom old WhoBo thoughts in council ha I boon oflen told, And braves whoso deeds amid ' their enemies Were traced in crimson on tho annal-troes, And by tho old men of tho nnt'ons laid In memory deep for Houg, tho i Ave made; While gathered throngs around hose eiroles, some Striking tho war-|H)Bt, but iu cuu cil dumb; Some neither known for wisdom - for deed, The others, youthu, who gl>>wod I ■ glory's meed. 27 < ! I! I 200 FUONTENAC. XVII. Upon n rich beavcr-skiu woh sot Tlio f^orgeous prido of tlio ctiluinet : As tho light touched its tbitthcrs, like sunlit dews, It glittered all over with flashing hues. Be.Hide, shone the flume of tho council, its gleams Ghastly and pale in the morning's beams. XVIII. Head of tho circle, on a rich stained mat With his proud look, the At-o-tn-ho sat. At length a sign he gave, and forward caino The Tall I'ipe-bearer with a torch of flame. Who seized the calumet, and with the weed Filled the red buwl and kindled it; as through The air meandered the light wreaths of blue. He pointed towards the sun the feathered reed. Then toward the earth, and then around in air; The first imploring Hah-wcn-ne-yo's care. The next, to sooth his brother's enmity, The la-st to make all evil genii flee; To J)awn of .Morning then the pipe he gave, Toward heaven, on earth, the smoky volumes wave ; Then to We-an-dah next the chieftain seated. Who the same wilemn ofl'ering act reiteaicd; To Lea]iing I'anther then, the next beside. Till the rich bauble paused the circuit wide. i I The Council. 201 Then rose We-nii-diili, now his mien wus high, Yet quick and restless oped and shut his eyo, And lis witli dignity his arm ho spread " We-an-dali greets the At-o-ta-ho ! " said. " In Yon-non-dc-yoh's dungeon dark and lone, Wo-an-dali huiguished like a toad in stone, Until he blinded Yon-non-de-yoh's eyes, For the fox taught We-an-dnh to bo wine : lie sang a song in Yon-non-du-yoh's ear, For he has stopped the nioeking-bird to hoar ; He spun a web meant only to beguile. For he has watched the cunning spider's wile; On Yon-non-de-yoh smiled his lips, not heart, Until he bade him from his cell depart, I'laced him a brother at his hated side. And of his host then wished him to be guide ; AVe-an-dah would not lead their bloody tread. And when night filled their eyes with slumber, fled. Great At-o-t«-ho! 'tis We-an-dah speaks! A warrior's paint is glowing on his cheeks, lie in the dance a warrior's deeds has sung. Ho is no snake ! lies sit not on his tongue ! AVe-an-dah says then, fly ! wait not the foo ! In crushing wrath will fall his dreadful blow. See'st thou yiui leaves ? — a.s thick his warriors crowd With their great guns that speak such thunder loud; Balls too that falling burst in flames, and dash Destruction round them like the lightning's flash ; Stockade and lodge will shrivel at their breath. And every warrior find a speedy death." 202 Frontenac. XIX. He ceased — low guttural sounds ran through The startled circle ; eye sought eyo In doubt ; each thoughtful visage grew Darker, as though the very sky Had with a sudden drop let fall Over the scene a shadowy pall. That he, Wo-an-dah, thus should speak, The valiant warrior, just and true ! Whose spirit like on eagle flew, It made their hearts turn faint and weak. Glances began to falter round, Ears bent as if on distant sound. And. midst the outer dense array, Movements began to gather way, As though to scatter in dismay. But Dawn of Morning rose, his arm He waved ; it was as if a charm Held the assemblage ; every eyo Was fixed upon liim as he stood. And looked around him proud niid high. As though to shame their fearful mood ; Then, striding in mid-ring, he spoke In tones that fire in all awoke. XX. " Sachems and warriors I can it be You tremble at an enemy '! What ! On-gue-Honwce crouching low The Council. 208 In fear before the threatened blow I Shall a few paltry words of air Down to the dust your courage bear ? Have you not grasped the hatchet red ? Have you not struck the battle post ? Scarce have you ceased your war-dance tread 1 Scarce wind has lost your song and boast. Shame, warriors of the Long House ! shame ! Scorn Yon-non-de-yoh's thunder flame, Have you forgot that here is burning The pure Ho-de-no-sonne fire ? Rather than, from its splendor turning, Leave it to Yon-non-de-yoh's spurning, Around it glad should all expired See ! streams its smoke before your eye Like Hah-wen-ne-yoh's scalp-lock high ! Remember, far as step your feet From Winter's snow to Summer's heat, Scatter the tribes like frightened deer; Wherever turns our frowning brow, The boldest young men shake with fear, The woods as though with tempests bow. How often has the Great White Bird Seen us returning from our path Loaded with scalps, and, joyful, heard The songs that told our warrior wrath. Senecas ! in the month of snows Our old men chaunt that time of pride, When the last Yon-non-de-yoh rose. To dash beneath his wrathful stride Ye — the strong, fast-closed, mighty Door 204 Fbontknac. Of our Long House, within to tread ; No Ho-ne-ho-ont basely fled, But bloody Yon-non-do-yoh tore His flesh amoug your briers, till lame, Wearied, and frightened he became ; And like a footsore dog he turned From a few huts and cornfields burned. Back on his war-path, while ye hung Your pole with scalps — your songs ye sung. XXI. " Gwe-u-gwes I often have ye fought Beneath your At-o-ta-ho's eye 1 Glorious the deeds you oft have wrought, Gwe-u-gwes ! braves ! ye will not fly ! XXII. " Oft Oneotas I on your path Has At-o-ta-ho seen your wrath. When breast to breast the foe were met, He ne'er has seen you falter yet. XXIII. " Mohawks ! stern men of blood ! ne'er ye Have fled before your enemy ! From Hah-rah's drift-wood stream, to where The Pequods on the salt waves sail. Your scalp-whoops oft have flUed the air. There oft has led your bloody trail. Fierce Bears ! shall Yon-non-de-yoh say ' Women I ' to ye, ' away, away I ' The Council. 205 XXIV. " Laat, On-on-dah-gahs I always true I Proud people of the hilb! to you Your At-o-ta-ho speaks ; — the knife Of Yon-non-de-yoh gleams above This your own castle ; let your love Be shown for it in deadliest strife. Remember 1 in yon palisade Your fathers' sacred bones are laid ! Oft has De-kan-e-so-ra's voice Of music made your souls rejoice. If from Sken-ec-ta-da his speech Upon the wind your ear could reach, How would it echo to your heart ? ' My On-on-dah-guhs ! act your part Ab should ye, when upon his path Comes Yon-non-de-yoh in his wrath. And his stern hand with torch of red Is raised above your castle's head.' Heart of the league ! which holds the glow Of the pure flame I ye'll brave the foe ! XXV. " Grasp all then tomahawk and knife, Amid the leaves like serpents hide, As Yon-non-de-yoh comes in pride ; Then leap like panthers to the strife. And our deep forest's frowning gloom Will rest on Yon-non-de-yoh's tomb." i ; 206 Frontenao. XXVI. IIo ooMod — tho wild "yo-lmli" burst out From the wholu crowd iu blondod shout, Thoir flitshitig wonpoiiH waved about ; Away their Buddon panic bore, Up rose thoir faltering hearts agitin, Aud thoir storii native pride onoo more Rushed back to all its former reigu. XXVII. Next, Shining Hatchet slowly went Within tho ring, looked slowly round — p]!ich weapon loll, sunk every sound, And every eye was on him bent. Tho At-o-ta-ho, while tho thrall Of childhood Dawn of Morning claimed, Iligh as a chicnain was ho famed. Wise too and just, and loved by all. XXVIII. " Sixty long years have in thoir flight My scalp-lock streaked with threads of white, But never," said ho, " have these eyos Behold a chief so great and wise As Dawn of Morning; to his words Listen ; they come like songs of birds In time of blos-ioms to my ear, TllK (iUAUKKL. 207 My anil tf» iiorv«, my houI to cheer. Dreiid Yon-iioii-dc-yoli'H tlmiidor ! who Will ill tliiH ring ol'warriorH Htuiid, And own hiH hciirt c'or fainter f^rew At death ; hIiuII yon-non-dc-yoh'H hand " — And hero hin Htorn and flaHhiiig eye llollod round the ring in Hcornt'ul glow, " Fright UH with Ihh uplifted blow From whore our fathers' anhoH lie ? No ! let hJH great guiiH Hluiko our woods, We'll crouch within their HolituduH; And, m coinoH on liis haiiglity tread. From tree and bush our shotH will gleam, And in his boHom's deurcHt stream. Our knives and hatchets will bo red ! " THE QIJAUUEL. XXIX. At the brave Shining Ilatehet's close, Again the deep " yo-hah I " arose. Hut while each savage eye was beaming With thoughts that for a time had slept, And knife and tomahawk were gleaming. Up the fierce Leaping I'anther stepped. In all its foulest venom now His soul sat coiled upon his brow ; Away had vanished caution's power That held his luce and tongue alike, 28 :i. 208 FnONTENAC. For now he thou};lit lind conic the hour. The At-o-ta-ho down to Ntrike. XXX. '• BrotherH 1 when frowns the tempest-cloud, And lightningH gleam as air grows black, The very eogle fierce und proud, Sweeping high up in boundless track, Turns his keen pinions to the peak, Kre the wild storm its wrath shall wreak. When the red fliinio with flash oiid rour, Wrapping the crackling woods is near. The furnished panther flies before, E'en though beneath him lies the deer ; Hrothers ! stern Yon-non-de-yoh's wrath Will, like the tempest, sweep our path. Like the red flame will burn his eye ; A bird is singing in my car, ' Death and destruction hover near. Wait not the foo ! fly, brothers, fly I ' " XXXI. ■' Coward ! " a fierce keen voice rang out. And Dawn of Morning with his shout. High bounding to his warrior sped; In frenzied fury blazed his look, For rage the very hatchet shook, He held above his head ; " Back ! am I not, base creeping thing, Thy At-o-ta-ho, and thy king ? rnKT^mmm^ The Quarrel. 209 Bnek from my si^^ht I " terrific flnmc From Lcnpiiij; Panther's eyo-biiUs came. " lie will not back ! ho Bcorns thy prido I " Then die, foul dop;! " the hatchet foil, And headlong with a broken yell The traitor fell and died. Up to their feet the circle sprung, The outer crowd a moment hung Bewildered, then tumultuous swung. Like some great billow in ; Voice upon voice contending rose, Eye flashed to eye like mortal foes, And now and then came sound of blows. But pealing o'er the din, The tones of Dawn of Morning boro : "Braves! Yon-non-dc-yoh is before! Your At-o-ta-ho calls once more. To ambush for the foe ! " A crowd of warriors round him pressed. The Ho-nont-koh stripe on every breast, Fierce eye, spread nostril, towering crest, Showing their martial glow. Just then, from out the jostling throng, A rapid hatchet whirled along Close to his car, and bounded nigh A warrior with o whoop, and cry — " Revenge !" — 'Twas Leaping Panther's brother; On sprang another — then another — And still another ; flame on wind Not sooner wraps the withered wood, Than through the untamed Indian mind 210 Frontenao. Hunh pawion nnd iloniro for blood. Wc-nn-dnh'x wohIh Imd noon (juick Hoodii, Wliioh Dawn of Mornin)?'n iitiiioHt Hkill riiul but Bufficed to c'-.cck, not kill, And now they boro thoir fruit in docdx. Drirk Lenpiiig I'linthcr'H wily nrt Ilnd alfio gained him many a heart, And when thuy Haw him in \m ^oro, And heard the brave, his brother, call For vengeance, then, forgetting all, Those wild hearta boiled in frenzy o'er. XXXII. Brave Shining Ilatchet at a Htrido Stood by the At-o-ta-ho's Hide. " Ilo-nont-koh I Brothers I " shouted he, " I'enI out your whoopn ! " and loud and free. The brothers swelled the piercing t>>und, Crowding the At-o-ta-ho round. All save The Haven — (though by none Beloved, he too, through courage rare So prized by Indian minds, had won At length a slow admission there, And yot scarce trusted ) — Struggling through Toward Dawn of Morning and his band, Braves sent back whoops at every hand. Wilder the wild contention grew. Forth in each grasp keen weapons flew, The QuAUREi. SU Fnrmi! stnifij^lcd, ImtchctH whizzed in nir, III litU'd clutcliuM knivcN wvro biiro, Fuw>e» wore nimcd, (thotH riin^ around, Hi'iuIh dropped, blood j,'U8hcd upon tin- uronnd, And dimth-gcrcninH, blent with wiir-whoops, rose Fre(|uunt i'rom thoHo uniintiirnl roi-M ; In vain the At-o-ta-ho Hprung, From point to point hin nnnx outflun^', Ab if to court the blow. " Slay nie, but oh, these niurderH ceaao ! " — The Htrifo Hoonied only to increase, Bravo upon brave sank low ; While Shinin)r Hatchet clun^ beside, Seeking each threatened blow to ward, As if all danger ho defied, Iliii At-o-ta-ho'H life to guard. XXXIII. I^\^ The Raven, in his hand his knifo, Was ((uiet midst the desperate strife, But following, following, following still Whero'or the At-o-ta-ho went, Strujrgling to come nioro near — until O'er the chief's back his knife was bent; It fell but in the opposing bienst Of Shining Hatchet who liad pressed Between, as down 'twas sent : 212 Frontenao. Pond fi'll the f;no'■—"""" -»'■!;"/«' "^"-"."VH 'iw^fg^^tW The Puiestess. 215 Where the tliroo Wisu Oiicfi i'ormeJ tlie Tie Thoy I'undly trusted miuglit would break; Wlupso records ye at leasts have heard iro-iui-we-iiii-to ol't ropeat ! De-kau-e-so-ra ! timguu of bird ! lldw often has thy inusio sweet Tn jiraiso too of that League been t,'iveii. Ah why, when darkness now is driven O'er the Ilo-de-no-sonue day Arc both of ye so far away ! Warriors, ye will not break that Tie And from stern Yon-nou-de-yoh lly, As if h(! were O-yal-kher black roiiiinj^ on his devouring track I No ! \\\\n\ he conies, yo'll be, oli braves ! liikc that bold creature from the waves, That rose and made the enemy Fierce as he was, back, bleeding, flee. xxxvrir. Still I'rom them not a voice was heard. Still no one from his posture stirred; Although the Ilo-nont-koh with quick breath Clutched weapons, and (ixed eyes of flame. Shoulder to shoulder every frame Stood the (all temple underneath, Jjooking mute scorn at those so base Who clung like cowards to their place. 29 216 Frontenac. XXXIX. But once more was the silence broke, As once more thus the I'riestess spoke. '• Braves ! hear a<;ain the words of dread By bright To-gan-e-we-tah said A hundred hundred moons ago, ' When the White Throats shall come, if ye Shall separate, then yourselves will throw The Long House down, destroy the Tree Of Peace, and trample out the Flame ! ' Must now this doom our j)eople claim? — Must ye with fierce and wicked will This awful prophecy fulfil ? " XL. Then the Grand Sachem rose, a sire Of wisdom I — " Kyeball* will not linger Until the bla.sting Tliunder-fire Of Yon-non-dc-yoh comes; the finger Of Ilah-wen-ne-yo points the way Into the deepest wood.** ; delay Brothers, no longer! 1 have said I'' And down once more he bent his head. Next rose The Wampum f — " Scarce has moved Yon thin white cloud an arrow's flight Since I, the only friend I loved, Saw perish ; hooh I I will not fight ! " • O-kfth In On-on-daligah. t Otko-yu In Cajufe-a- The Priestess. 217 The Tamarack * then : " I ever thought That the Ho-nont-koh evil wrought; A vearrior's heart is open ! I Wait not ; my council is to fly ! " Then Lightningf : "From his hunting-grounds The voice of Leaping Panther falls Within me ! ' Brother ! ' low it sounds, ' Fight not where Dawn of Morning calls ! '" The Serpent J last: "A Mohawk brave You kuow am I, and yet " — his teeth He ground till foam flew forth — '< beneath The knife of yon Ho-nont-koh slave Who from me stole fair Min-na-soh (But I repaid her with my blow) In the late strife I bleeding fell. Hooh ! whoop ! I will not fight ! " — his yell High bursting forth in fiendish swell. Xtl. " Then" — and the loud indignant tongue Thrilling again — "let warriors fly; " I, a weak woman" — and she flung Her arm toward heaven and raised her eye ■ " Come Yon-non-de-yoh's scorned array, Beside the Sacred Flame will stay ! " Again she tossed her arm in air, And the slight platform then was bare. *Kul-ho-an. tEo-iiolnBcneca. X On-yar-he In Mohawk. 218 Frontenac. XLII. Awny the recreant warriors filed To pliiiiiie within the iicifihboriiifr wild ; Some beiidiiij: umlcriieath their dead; Some with turned look and linj^cring tread, As if, had not forbidden pride, l?ack to their At-o-ta-ho's side Would now have come their willing stride. XLIII. Sorrowing mid bis Ho-nont-koh band Rent Dawn of Morning, brow on hand, While stood tlu' baleful Haven near, Foremost of all with scornful sneer And jibe at their mean dastard tread, Who i'roni their At-o-ta-bo fled. iii^t XI.IV. Now I'roni the Temple of the glow Faint stepping, came the I'rieste.s.s nigh ; Gone were proud front and fiery eye. Naught, naught was there but deepest woe; She paused at Pawn of .Morning's side. And placed her hand upon bis liead. And in soft tones of tender jiride, " Come to thy lodge, my son I" she said. XI.V. They entered, ami her arms she pressed Around him : "Child, mv dearest child '. The Priestess. 219 Thy mother loves thee now, far more Than when thy infant form she bore Weeping and helpless in her breast; How bravely " — and she fondly smiled Upon him — ''hast thou done to-day, My own true noble child ! but still Thou must with thy bold band away, Thoujrh T — 'tis TIah-wen-ne-yo's will, I — Priestess of the Flame must stay." "Hut Yon-non-dc-yoh, mother!" low The Pries*ess bent in crimson <;low. •' lie will not harm me 1 Safely round Will Ilah-wen-nc-yo's arm bo found, Thoujih death sluiuld come to claim its prey, 'Twould come like that swift IJird of snow, ]5y the (ircat Spirit sent to say To Ilah-yiih-wont-hah, •Come away 1' And I, oh jrlad, as he will go — And waiting thy loved presence there The endless strawberry will prepare — But thou must Yon-non-dc-yoh flee. lie is thy deadliest enemy I Yes, thou must flee bim — thou, who late " — Whe shuddered deep — '• didst raise the knife Against him, thou hast roused liis hate ! Yes, thou must go. but at his life Thou ne'er again, my child, must aim, For" — dropped her voice till scarce he heard — "Ijate llah-won-no-yii's whispered word I heard wiiile kneeling at the Flame. It said, ' Ilo-de-no-sonne hand 220 Fbontenac. Ne'er Yon-non-dc-yoh's blood shall shed; My nrni shall deal with him !' — a brand Kroke in the depths — the whisper fled. Cm I but I do not say thy wrath Shall hover not around his path, From anibuiih deep the ball to wing, Upon his strasigliug young men spring, And on them in their wearied sleep With thy still wild-cat tread to creep; I might as well bid life depart From thy Ilo-de-no-sonne heart. At night let thy unslunibcring eye l}e like the owl's; thy feet by day Be like the tireless moose's way; And Hah-wen-ne-yo. from his sky, Oh ! niiiy he be for ever nigh I And when again thy feet shall roam To thy loved ()n-on-dah-gah home. Once more, she trusts, thy mother's voice Will glad thine ear — the Sacred Flame Its rich, grand glow as evei claim, To bid the league again rejoice ! " She ceased — both left the lodge — and bore Their footsteps to the band once more. XLVI. The other victims of the fight. By the deserters left, were laid AVithin the burial-place — tho rite Hasty, and short, and simple paid. £i! Tub Priestess. And then was every narrow mound IJy the rude sorrowing emblems crowned. Tlien — Roll of Thunder iit the head, And the sad At-o-ta-ho's tread Heavy and oft-checked in the rear — Filed the llo-nont-koh from the scene, Each stepping in the other's track, And Dawn of Morning pansed when near The forest, gazed long lingering back On the lone mother — then between The thronging trunks his figure light Was hidden from her loving sight. 221 XLVII. The Prie.stcss glanced lier thoughti'ul eye Above, around; within the sky The sacred smoke was curling high ; One pearly cloud was melting there Like Ilah-yoh-wont-hah's white canoe. When upward through the summer air, He vanished from his people's view Amid the sky's triumphal strain. Its welcome to bis home again. The sun threw soft and reddened flood O'er huts, stockade, maize, stream and wood. As if the expanded flame was shed ]{y Hah-wen-ne-yo's kind command, Protection o'er the scene to spread. From the approaching spoiler's hand ; The river's voice was in her ear, 222 Frontenac. Secmiuf; To-jpin-a-wc-tah's own, TluiM to lier liciirt: ''Thou art not lone, True J'riestoss I I am with thfu lioro I " She Btood a moment, turned, then slow Entered the Temple of the Glow. THK 8ACKK1) FLAME. XI.VllI. A hollow shaft of stone stood there Upon a hearth in spaces hewed, Hollowed heneath, through which the air Unceasiiif; pushed, ii furnace rude. From the barred hearth, the sacred blaze •Streamed up in broad and splendid ra}-.s ; Before it reached the sliaff , it showed A spot that like an eye-ball glowed. So keen, away recoiled the sight Before the fierce and blasting light. A low deep rumble from it came. The voice mysterious of the Flame ; As though To-gan-a-we-tah wise. Ere went he to his native skies, Had left, with deep and tender care, His warning voice for ever there. Each Union Feast it seemed to wake To the crouched ring of warriors near : •• Never the league, my children, break. If Hah-wen-ue-yo's frowns ye fear : The Sacred Flame. And never let my gleaming eye, Kindled by the red lightning first, When on the mountain pino it burst, And dashed it into atoms, die I " 228 XLIX. Deep to the floor her brow she bent, A glance imploring upward sent, And tlien took down lier tufted mat Passed out, and by the portal sat. Down shed the sunshine greater strength, The shades commenced to shrink in length. Shut were her eyes, scarce flowed her breath, Sho seemed as though reclined in death; Not e'en the slightest muscle stirred; Around her tripped and searched the bird. Leaped to her knee and then her head. And then unscared its pinion spread ; Still lightly rose the sacred smoke. And in the soft wind gently broke. And o'er her wreathed, as if to bear Away her spirit through the air. Noon passed — the building's shadow deep Began around her form to creep ; A fresher wind allayed the heat, The sun sent beam more mild and sweet ; Farther the shadow stole — its trace Was now o'er all the area's space ; Beside licr paused the butterfly. The sounding bee went swerveless by, 30 |!|H 224 Frontenac. Even the hiUMiniuf^-hird, mo.st shy Of all winged thiu^, whizzed t'earle.sM uigh, Until nt loHt her raven hair Turned gulden in the nunset glare. END OP CANTO SKVENTIt. CANTO EIGHTH. THE MAHCII. THE MEETtNG. THE MARCH. THE MOCCA8IN- PUINT. THE NlOHT-WATCn. (1ANT0 EiunTir. TIIK MAUCII. N' I'roiitcMftc'M pnnip the >;ray imirniiif; nroso, Ami till! (Irmii-rattliibroko on it« heavy rcposo, The Iiidiuii was wrenching red Hcalpa in bin dream ; Tlio liardy bateauninii washattlinf^ the Htream; Fame peali'd in the earol'tiio nohle her Htrain; And the pikenmn was swelling liJH chorus again. I'p Hpraiig the fierce Indian and I'fll.irhiH knife; Up uprangthe batcauiuan all urnii'd for the Btrifo; The noble donned sabro and corselet once more; And the jiikenian again his long weapon njibore. The tentH disappearf'l md the war-like array, In splemlor and rudenens, pasdcd slow on their way. II. Strange wnH the sight 1 rough trunks between, Heneath fresh bonghs, deep thickets through, -Nlnskot and bn>nst))]ate cast their sheon. Mantle ami Hag displayed their hue. Now on some low hemlock's cono, Arqucbuso un instant shone ; "-K^y'viT^p^l")'"!'!'^?, "^■y "' f|<9^-f ??^W'??^'V»'J??.'?^'^''l"^^?*?'?;T?^'STI7<'^■K• T.W''^.''"" 28 Froxtknac. Now agniiist a streak of li;ilit Glanced the uniform of white ; And some tawny liuff-ooat now Gleamed upon the streamlet's hrow. On the forest-earth were feet Bloodiest hattlo-fields had beat, And had bounded in the dance, Mid the gay saloons of France ; Instead of the trumpet and shout of blood. Was the soothinj; peace of the miiet wood ; Instead of rich arras and waxen gloss, Were tiie fleece-like leaves and the silk-like moss; Instead of soft voices and footstcj)S gi.y. Were the song of the bird, and the dance of the spray. nr. Upon their creakinjr wheels the cniiion mllcd. Jolting o'er roots, or sinking in the mould; In a carved chair behind, amid a throng Of noldes, Froiitcnac was borne along; While in the van We-an-dah slowly went, Ilis deep-flushed brow upon liis bosom bent. I'assed was the pine reared proudly in the air, Whose top the eagle claimed — whose trunk tlie bear; PatuHid wax the mining streandet flowing deep IJelow its alder roof with sullen creep ; I'assedwere wet liollows, dry and mossy knolls. And grassy openingH set with pillared bolls; Passed great prone trunks with emerald coats (M'rspreais search gave o'er ; Since then ['ve only thouglit I: ol'buatoii tiiwiiy nkiii ; A criin.Hun fliu«h that otlt hml i«hot Into MitIc'h i-yvn an jiuf-t the npcit Ho Htrodc, to Htt'oly fjluw turned nuw Upon a broa!tt-|dutu caitt bvluw ; Tho buglt) lyin^,' Jiy it, sluti^,' Upon itx Mtrup, II glittor thnii;; Thu uawfue, thrown near, kuon rii\ ^ flntthcd out ; Dark brands of liici idiowod. strewed about; ^Vliilc numerous li^'ures round tli. .sijuare Tuld that tliu wild men of thu holt, Scorning all roof but sk_\, wore there In sleep, weij;hed down by or^'ies, lost. Spots iu tho arua'H midst, deup gleamiug, Eyeballs of lurkiiiL' nionstei >eeniing Within Merle's wandering, idle dreaming, Mammoth or seri)ent terrilde, Tlieso forests' former Iiabitants, He oft had hoard the Ilurons tell, Devouring all within their haunts. Turned to pale coals; while, midst them reared, A tall and blaekened shaft appeared, Tho sole memorial left to show Where stood the Temjile of the Glow. Not this alone, but his keen eye. Once by a shoot of searlct light Scut by the wateh-fire. chanced to spy A crouching ligure; through the night lie oft had thrown his curious look The Mauch. 241 IJp«m tlmt Muck iiiul l'r(jwiiiiiK ii'iok Where -taw he firnt tliu rnnii, it j^lcmii Wuuld now and then ncroHH it wtrcnin And .still lie Hnw tlie fij;iiro there Hum as ireruHlieil by deeji desjmir. No foo ho deviiiud it, yet 'twas ntrnngo There wifhmit motion, without ehaiigo, Uy the reil ^rlow which o'er would flit He viewed that dark weird tinnro nit. The (hiwiiiu).' li.ht diKclosed at laHt The droojiiui, ''rieste^'^* w''o, wliile i'ast Allaire, toil•^])cIlt with ,'i.rehing, clept, Away with ntealthy i-*"^ jiad crept In her uusluuiljerin^j rriel'tct hrood Amid the 'i ■ ''ks around her Htrcw ' ; Wrecks oi whui lately was the framo Of its, sliL thouf.ht, iindyiiij: flame, Flnnio of her frlory ! holding; jilaco Next Dawn ol' Morniu).' in her heart. Which, woe most deep! most foul disj^'race! Had seen its last faint flash depart. Flame of I'.er ,nlory I oh. how prized ! Amid the foes the most despised! Never aj,'ain to show its lifrht Unless in pity to the niL'ht, Shroudin}! the Lonfj Hou.sc from his oye Should llah-weii-ne-yo cause to fly The linhtnini^ n.s in days of yore, And give the sacred lifilit onco more, That would once more with sparkling power Make summer of the winter bower, ■"myiyfr^ '\r^'^^_' 242 Frontenac. ^lake daylight of the midnight hour, With its rejoicing blaze And gladness through the Long IIouso shower, As in its brightest daj-s, Kro treaehoroius counsels had prevailed, Ere craven terror had assailed, Or evil passions had burst out, Scattering their awful fruits about. Causing the Long IIouso now to lie In gloom beneath a gloomy sky. IX. Still, still the east horizon grew More soft and clear and bright in hue ; The clouds displayed a dappled mien; The forests changed i'rom dark to green ; While in full joyous chorus there IJursf warbles on the dewy air ; At last the clouds with light were laced, On gold and pearl the woods were traced, The Orient seemed of rainbows wrought, (uild seemed across the trees to run. And then, like some majestic thought Kindling the brain. Merle saw the sun. X. As on the hill-top's loftiest pine it glowed. The wide eneampuieMt stir and hustle showed ; Frontenac, restless, with a jacked array The Moccasin-Print. 243 Of pikes and imiskcts, quick liis vengeful way, The Atlirondack and (lie Huron band, Fiercest of all his tribes ! to aid his hand, Was now, among the endless woods to push. The Oueidas in their fastnesses to crush. Leaving his ordnance, and remaining train At On-on-dah-guh till ho conio again. XI. Seated within his chair of state once more Frontcnac takes his pathway as before ; Sa-ha-wco, still the object of his care, Near him is placed, protected by Allaire ; The yet soft sunbeams of the morning strike Again on moving musket, flag and piko. And once more do the numbers onward press Amid the vast and solemn wilderness. THE M0CCA8IN-PKINT. XII. Noon's burning eye was now refulgent o'er, Sprinkling with light the variant sylvan floor; The hemlock's myriad particles of green In tiny flashes, glinted back the sheen ; The long-leaved polished laurels to the sight Sent rapid glances of keen dazzling light; The beech's moss was turned to golden fringe. 244 Frontenac. !i And the nirV gray suffused with emerald tinge; The strairi,'linj; nunibi'rs still their patli pursued Amid the erowded culunins of the wfiod, The deep-trod trail they fullowed, winding, here, Around some swamp extending wild and drear, Bristling with taniaraoks and with hemloeks dead, And liy one sea of laurels overspread, And seaming, there, some swelling ridge's baek With yawning hollows either side the track. T'neeasing on the air arose the beat. Upon the forest earth, of trampling feet, AVith rustle, brittle snap of twig, and crush Through the dry leaves ai.d tangled underbrush : Shrill chirping voices, sudden .•.•l:'rring wings, Told the i|uick flight of frighted woo(liu">d things. AVliile the nuis(iuito, ever hovering near With its tine twanging, teased tlie shrinking ear. We-an-dah, near the head of the array, With cowering footstep stalked upon hi.s way; His shrinking figure, and his drooping crest, Sh