THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES EGEND AtfWONE A POEM BY M.B.M/TOLAND ^AUTHOR OF "IRIS; "SIR RAE,"*# "ONTI ORA/'*THE INCA PRINCESS, "* ''EUDORA'; /GGLE AND THE ELF," ETC .ETC FROM DRAWINGS BY EMINENT ARTISTS PHI LA DEL PH I A J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY LONDON: 10, HENRIETTA ST., COVCNT GARDEN 1890. Copyright, 1889, by J. B. LlPPlNCOTT COMPANY. PS 57/ Frontispiece Drawn by W. HAMILTON GIBSON. " In tints opalescent the airy flecks play" Page 14 Drawn by WM. T. RICHARDS. " O'er valleys and canons and bold bluffs between" 18 Drawn by ]. B. SWORD. " O'er shoulders a mantle was gracefully hung" 24 Drawn by MAUD HUMPHREY. " ' Come, tell me, what good do those pale Padres bring ?' " 30 Drawn by F. S. CHURCH. "On gossamer wings lightly butterflies soar" 38 Drawn by RENE T. DE QUELIN. " ' 'Twas my part to lead them ; but thou hast me led' " 44 Drawn by HERBERT DENMAN. " 'Neath sycamore hoary, in mission retreat" 48 Drawn by H. BOLTON JONES. "Low knelt the good Padre, entreating in prayer" 52 Drawn by H. SIDDONS MOWBRAY. " In like way The Padre Baptized the new child" .... Drawn by FRANCIS C. JONES 55 DECORATIONS IN THE TEXT MODELLED BY JOHN J. BOYLE. 7 1966808 4' I. In chronicles ancient, traditions still score Their mystic. Artistic, And fabulous lore. ii. While seeking such myths in this glorious clime, With pleasure To measure The ripples of rhyme, LEGEND LAYMONE. III. This Indian legend was found to unfold O The wild ways Of those days A century old. IV. Since fathers Franciscan this country explored, While preaching And teaching True faith in our Lord, v. Came Padres, who valiantly dangers would brave, Their cause blest By conquest, The heathen to save. 10 LEGEND LAYMONE. VI. Some natives were won from idolatry soon, While others, Their brothers, Still worshipped the moon, VII. Enthroned on high heaven, surrounded by stars, With fair face, Benign grace, Through peace and wild wars. LEGEND LAYMONE. VIII. Old sorcerers studied its phases by night, Through changes And ranges Of magical light ; LEGEND LAYMONE. IX. Its course during ages, by silvery rays, Unsealing, Revealing Its long-hidden ways. x. This land of the South is like Eden, so fair, Inviting, Delighting In luxuries rare ; XI. Pacific its waters, with waves flowing free, Arraying, Displaying, The charms of deep sea ; '3 LEGEND LAYMONE. XII. Cool zephyrs intoning low-voiced evermore Are lifting And drifting Foam-webs the beach o'er. XIII. In tints opalescent the airy flecks play With rainbows Of bright glows O'er bubbles of spray ; XIV. While sparkle the white-crested surf-rifts upon The ocean, In motion To azure line drawn ; 14 LEGEND LAYMONE. XV. Where welkin embraces our view on the west O'er waves bright With sunlight Or moonbeams at rest. XVI. Sierras encircle this beautiful strand, Enclosing, Reposing On broad, fertile land ; XVII. Majestic, their highest peaks mantled with snow; Through veil sheen Of mist, seen From valleys below. '5 LEGEND LAYMONE. XVIII. O'er this range, Chief Za'na, in sport-loving cheer, A young brave. Much time gave To hunting the deer. XIX. One bright, balmy morning, while chasing his game, Ascending Ways wending, O'er summit he came ; 16 LEGEND LA YMONE. XX. When lost were the curveting deer from his view While speeding And leading The tangled pass through. XXI. Perplexed that the game could thus vanish from sight, No covert To hide sport Assisting their flight ; XXII. Thus standing, he gazed with elated surprise O'er scenes rare Outspread there, Enframed by the skies : 17 LEGEND LAYMONE. XXIII. O'er valleys and canons and bold bluffs between, All c ragged, Steep, jagged, Each mystic ravine, XXIV. Where sentinels silent, like guards in command Tall cacti, Stiff, stately, Impressively stand ; xxv. Where murmuring brooklets, with sallying sweep, Meander And wander Through wild dingles deep; 18 LEGEND LAYMONE. XXVI. Embracing the waters of river below In rimples And dimples With soft, gurgling flow ; XXVII. When, suddenly startled, the hunter espied A young deer Without fear Approaching his side. XXVIII. Quick seizing his bow, out an arrow he drew, Scarce staying The slaying, When burst on his view '9 LEGEND LAYMONE. /r - XXIX. Nuh-lute-soo, a young squaw, while climbing that way, Called quickly, In Monqui, " 'Tis mine ! Do not slay !" xxx. Down dropt his drawn bow with a quivering thrill ; Then spake he Laymone, Demanding her will, LEGEND LAYMONE. XXXI. Ha ! comest them here, like a queen, to command ? A deer tame Is no game To fall by my hand. XXXII. "'Tis thou that hast baffled my sport of to-day: The game met With thy pet And vanished away." XXXIII. In faltering accents she timidly said, " Forgive me ! My fawn he Through mountain-pass sped." \ LEGEND LAYMONE. XXXIV. And, while she was speaking, her large hazel eyes Were glancing, Enhancing His waking surprise ; xxxv. With joy at his safety, the young deer caressed, While flushes, Warm blushes, Confusion expressed. xxxvi. O'erclouding her pleasure, she felt the dismay Of marplot To game sought By chieftain that day. LEGEND LAYMONE. XXXVII. Lithe, sylph-like her form, in its wild woodland grace ; Light, airy As fairy, With bronze, comely face ; XXXVIII. The beauties of nature eclipsing all charms Of necklace In coy place Or bracelets on arms ; LEGEND LAYMONE. XXXIX. Her delicate apron, fine fibres of reeds, Her net fair O'er black hair, Her collar of beads; XL. From mother-of-pearl, with small shells and fruit-stones, All stranded And banded In clustering zones. XLI. O'er shoulders a mantle was gracefully hung Of fox -skins, By clasp-pins To ornaments strung. 24 LEGEND LA YMONE. XLII. Her youth, dusky beauty, perfection of mould, Attracted, Distracted The chieftain's heart cold. XLIII. At peace with her tribe, he could bend to his will This young squaw With stern law ; Yet felt his heart thrill. XLIV. To braves of Laymone such feeling was strange, Arising, Surprising, His thoughts to derange. 25 LEGEND LAYMONE. XLV. An impulse intruded within the chief's breast, Awaking, Partaking Of wish unexpressed. XLVI. Subdued by her manner, so modest, refined, For strict rule Of church school Had cultured her mind, 26 LEGEND LAYMONE. XLVII. He gazed on the young squaw as never before. This new thought Response brought That sanctity wore. XLVIII. She shrank from his glances, more tremulous still, While great fear And dread drear Her heart's pulses thrill ; 27 LEGEND LAYMONE. XLIX. As slowly he gathered spear, quiver, and bow, In bold pride By her side Down rough steeps to go. L. Wild wishes arose while thus wending his way,- Ideal With real, Fond fancies at play. 28 LEGEND LA YMONE. LI. A chieftain was he of the primitive race, His warm hue Like bronze new ; Tall, manly in grace. LII. When midway down mountain-pass paused they awhile ; Then spake he Words gently, With softening smile : 29 LEGEND LAYMONE. LIII. "Come, tell me, what good do those pale Padres bring? Their banners, Strange manners, Have changed everything. LIV. Far grander the forms of our feast praises made With eagle, In regal, Imposing parade, LV. "Uplifted by priest in the great circle, where We braves prance With glad dance Of thanksgiving prayer. 30 LEGEND LAYMONE. LVI. Divine is the eagle ! our messengers sent With joy praise Of feast days, Expressing content 31 LEGEND LAYMONE. LVII. " His spirit released, to Great Spirit above Each token As spoken He bears with our love. '$ '' ^I^Kyi *', LVIII. "Then why dost thou follow such mystical creed? Their priesthood Is no good, Nor such do we need." 32 LEGEND LAYMONE. fftV*: ft LIX. Confused by his questions, she answered, "They teach A good life Without strife, And holy words preach. LX. The reverend Padres will make plain to thee Our praise pure And faith sure, As they have taught me." 33 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXI. The while she was speaking, sweet musical strains Came nearer And clearer In rhythmic refrains : LXII. Gay medleys a mocking-bird charmingly sung, His trilling Tones filling With mimic notes rung ; LXIII. The lark's song enchanting, the wood-dove's soft coo, Combining, Entwining His roundelay through. 34 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXIV. When ended the chant, on the brave's upturned face Audacious With gracious Expression found place. LXV. While waving his hand at the songster, asked he, " Can priests sing, Or songs bring, Like this melody? LXVI. " How happy birds flutter on wings ever light ! No teacher, No preacher Disturbing their flight. 35 LEGEND LA YMONE. LXVII. This land of our fathers, the Indian's pride, With mountains And broad plains, Big waters beside ; LXVIII. " See triple-tiered mountains, green, violet, blue, Ascending Till blending Sky-tints with their hue." LXIX. To stiff Spanish dagger-palm pointing, he said, " Tall towers, Flag flowers, Float over each head. 36 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXX. "See, guarded by nature, each leaf like a spear; What dangers Meet strangers Who venture too near. LXX I. " We thus should stand guarded, by night and by day, Alertly, Expertly, Keep strangers away. 37 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXII. Our lands are all beautiful, blooming, and bright ; Sweet flowers Form bowers Enhancing delight. LXXIII. " On gossamer wings lightly butterflies soar, The bees dip And sweets sip From honey-dews' store. LXXIV. "The humming-birds flitting o'er sweet eglantine Will not miss The light kiss Where blossoms entwine. 38 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXV. "Then why come the strangers? With new gods they bring Delusion, Confusion, And change everything. LXXV I. "Their coming I've watched, and still study them well; Our lives free As birds, we In pleasure should dwell." LXXVII. Again sang the bird with a wild rhapsody, Sweet twitters With flitters On wings flying free. 39 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXVIII. Pleased smiles lit the faces of both as they heard. The brave spake, " For my sake Be free as that bird ! LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXIX. " For while it was singing, a light from thine eyes Caressed me, Impressed me, Awaking surprise. LXXX. " Nuh-lute-soo, I love thee ! How strange this all seems ! Thy pleading Glance leading Through wandering dreams. LXXXI. " What name did they call thee when taken away From tribe rule, To strict school In pompous display ?" 41 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXXII. " 'Twas Ynez, when christened, they called my new name ; With water The daughter Of church I became." LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXXIII. He sadly sighed, " Ynez, how changed thou art, too From life wild A church-child Devoted and true. LXXXIV. "Thy Padre must know that, arrested by thee, This hand stays Its wild ways Of cold cruelty. LXXXV. " My tribe is now plotting revenge ; for they feel The Padres Have strange ways Our treasures to steal. 43 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXXVI. " 'Twas my part to lead them ; but thou hast me led To pleasures Full measures Through peace' path instead." LXXXVII. Then, lowering his voice to a whispering tone, " On next moon, That comes soon, The torch will be shown, 44 LEGEND LAYMONE. LXXXVIII. " Unless I prevent it. For thy sake I will Warn Padre, And this way My duty fulfil." LXXXIX. Anxiety clouded her brow o'er with grief, Then vanished As banished By smile of relief. xc. This promise had kindled her gratitude warm, Like sunbeams When hope gleams Through uplifting storm. 45 LEGEND LAYMONE. XCI. His manner so gracious, she felt unrestrained By doubts dread, For fear fled With confidence gained. xcn. Together, descending declivities steep, Through passes, Tall grasses, Of mountain-range steep ; XCIII. Awaking warm pulses of love's dawning ray, Inciteful, Delightful, While wending their way. 4 6 LEGEND LAYMONE. XC1V. The deer, now released from restraint, sportive fled With ambles Where brambles Through craggy pass led. xcv. They entered a valley with stream purling there, That ran on Through canon Of wild beauties rare. 47 LEGEND LA YMONE. XCVI. 'Neath sycamore hoary, in mission retreat, Sat reading, Unheeding The sound of their feet, LEGEND LAYMONE. XCVII. Good Padre Junipero Serra, oppressed By great care, Absorbed there In studies, the best. XCVII I. To Ynez his greeting was fatherly, kind, With blessing Caressing This child, pure in mind. xcix. He welcomed the brave with a genial tone, Smiled, saying, " Not paying Thy visit alone ? 49 LEGEND LAYMONE. C. " A Christian hath led thee to seek us ; 'tis well ; By faith sure We souls lure In church love to dwell." ci. "Yes," answered the brave, "with her mild, modest way She spelled me And held me From death-dealing fray ; en. "Thy enemies many next moon-change await To uprise And surprise With long-brooding hate ; 50 LEGEND LAYMONE. CHI. To shatter this mission with massacre dire, In hot haste To lay waste By torture and fire." LEGEND LA YMONE. CIV. Low knelt the good Padre, entreating in prayer That Jesu Would guard through The dangers dread there ; o cv. Then smiled, as if angels in answer had brought On fleet wings Glad tidings, Protection he sought. cvi. The sun's setting rays saintly halos o'erspread, Soft shimmers, Gold glimmers, Encircled his head 52 LEGEND LAYMONE. CVII. Like chaplet of heavenly radiance, beamed Far brighter Than mitre Or jewelled crown gleamed. CVIII. Arising, he spake to the brave: "Thou hast said 'Twas Ynez Gave impress To save us that led cix. " Away from vile plots, causing thee to confess, Thus bravely, And save me Our mission to bless. 53 LEGEND LAYMONE. CX. "Such service hath won a reward. Take thy share, New claimant Of raiment That converts must wear. CXI. " Speak ! Tell me if thou hast another wish still Ungranted, Yet wanted ? I'll gladly fulfil." cxn. "Yes," answered the brave: "thy new faith let me try, That blesses, Impresses, Like eagle praise high ! 54 LEGEND LAYMONE. CXIII. "Canst thou with churcli waters make me good and pure ? Can chief be From sin free In holy faith sure ?" cxiv. The Padre replied, "We will gladly receive And christen Thee : listen To words and believe." cxv. Like Jesu's disciples in wilderness wild, In like way The Padre Baptized the new child. 55 LEGEND LAYMONE. CXVI. Lorenzo the name when baptized he received, With new life Above strife, From vile plots relieved. CXVII. Arrayed in new garments, Nuh-lute-soo he claimed By her side With glad pride His heart's wish he named. CXVIII. Then earnestly pleading, "Good Padre," he said, " Please plight us, Unite us, We wish to be wed. 56 LEGEND LAYMONE. CXIX. "Together we willingly wait thy command; In this place By thy grace We suppliant stand." cxx. Of Ynez the Padre benignantly asked, "Doth thy love His wish prove, For service so tasked?" cxxi. She artlessly answered, with warm, winsome way, " Lorenzo Hath said so ; His wish I obey." 57 LEGEND LAYMONE. CXXII. The sunset in glory illumined the west With gold gleams And rose beams Of ruby rays dressed, CXXIII. When Padre united in wedlock the pair, Impressing His blessing Their duties to share. To the courtesy of Don Antonio F. Coronal and of Colonel J. J. Warner I am indebted for an account of La Fiesta del Gavilan, or the Eagle Feast of the Fall, the Thanksgiving ceremonies held by all Indians in this country every autumn. Eagles are scarce in California: therefore he who entraps an eaglet is most fortunate. The bird is considered divine by the Indians, and is carefully kept until ready for the sacrifice, when the fortunate captor invites all the neighboring tribes to unite in the grand feast. A large square is enclosed by brush, where congregate the Indians for a general merrymaking of seven days. On the evening of the seventh day a wise man of the tribe (the priest or medicine-man) stands in the centre of a large circle of braves, holding the eagle high, that all may see their messenger divine. The braves dance and chant jubilant songs of praise-prayers with petitions. The other Indians are gathered round the interior circles, adding their petitions and praise, which the priest repeats to the eagle. At the close of their prayers the eagle droops his head, and, without a struggle or even 61 NO TES. flutter of his wings, instantly dies. His spirit, thus released, bears to the Great Spirit, enthroned on the moon, all their petitions and prayer-praise. Colonel Warner suggested that this miraculous death might have been caused by some mystic operation of the wise man to give grand effect to the eagle's departure on his sacred mission. From Captain Juan Morongo, an intelligent Indian from Banning Reservation, I learned that during this ceremony names were given to all Indian children born since the preceding eagle feasts, whether they had already received baptismal names or not. By these names the children are always afterwards known among their tribes. I am indebted for valuable information to the Right Reverend E. O'Connell, Titular Bishop of Joppa, and to the Rev. Father J. Adam, V.G., Los Angeles, for his most interesting translation of the life of the Very Reverend Padre Junipero Srra, from the Spanish, by Father Palon. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-Series 4939 DO NOT REMOVE THIS BOOK CARD S II- a Pu r M IS B a * M M ss M M II M V * University Research Library m i UCLA-Young Rearch Library PS3079 .T57I y L 009 608 612 9 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY III II I II III II II II II II II I I AA 001 218118 6