UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS' ANGELES ROBERT ERNEST COWAN illU l pTHEF( p o E M RY C. L. WOODS STOCKTON : D. H. BERD1XE, F,OOK AND JOH PRINTER. I873- filtered according to Act of Congress, in the jr:ar 1873, by C. L. W O O D S , In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PS 335-P S TO MY MOTHER PREFACE. The incident related in the closing of the Poem, KAW-WAU-NITA, was told me in the month of May, 1859, by C. J. Goss, Esq., in company with whom I made a trip from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Boulder City, Colorado, in the season just men- tioned. We had camped one night on the banks of a small stream, on the very ground, as I was informed, where the closing scene of the Poem was enacted, and from which the stream took the name of RAWHIDE CREEK. It was while there that Mr. Goss gare me the facts of the case, which facts are known to many of those who crossed the Plains in the early golden days of California. It may be considered an over-drawn picture, but a reality is a reality; and, though a fabric of romance may be woven around it, still the romance can never do away with a fact. It may be said, by some, that a proper regard for the feelings of others should have prevented the publication of KAW-WAU-NITA, but my reply is this : In offering you this Poem, I simply offer you a matter of fact, and for facts I have no apologies to make to any one. The story is of that order which appears to the best advantage when presented in as plain a manner as possible, and, taking this view of it, I have avoided the use of Indian terms beyond what are current all over the world ; but, at the same time, I have not allowed my characters to lose their customs or their leading characteristics. The short poems have been written at different times and under various circumstances. I like most of them for the reason that each has its own little world in the past ; and for them I ask the kind for- bearance and generous toleration of those who may honor them by perusal. THE AUTHOR. There came to my wigwam a weary child, Hungry, and feeble, and eo Id ll'hcn the winter winds told Their bitterest tale in a fierce, fierce gale, To the clouds, which in terror were flying wild. He begged me to shelter his shrinking form From the keen and pitiless blast j And the snow Jiving fast A nd for fire and food, to warm the blood That was chilled in his reins by the howling storm. I sheltered him, wanned him, nursed him with care, And with him I shared my bed, And gave him to cat of mv bread ; And he dwelt with me long, and grew hale and strong, And his face, and his form , and his words were fair. He has grown, ''fill a giant now he stands ; ]]'liile I hare feeble grown jl/Y trigiram he claims as his own ; He has taken my home, and alone I must roam Into barren and desolate unknown lands. KAW-WAU-NITA. The winter winds had ceased to blow, And now no longer white with snow, The ground was fast becoming green; And here and there, there might be seen On grassy knoll, a violet blue, Smiling through weight of sparkling dew, As eye of azure might appear When dimmed by love's, or sorrow's tear. The forest trees no longer bare Of foliage, tossed their limbs in air; But each one seemed to do its best To rival each and all the rest, In giving heartsome welcoming To lovely, bashful, blushing Spring, Who never fails with winning wile To make e'en stern old Winter smile; And when the fierce old king is gone, Beckons her sister Summer on. 10 KA W-WAU-NITA, We crossed the river, dark and rough, That flows in sight of Council Bluff; And took our way along the flat, Far-reaching valley of the Platte, Whose waters first begin their flow From out the everlasting snow, And coursing through the Valley wide, Join with the madly rushing tide Of the Missouri and in glee, Flow on and mingle with the sea. Our little party camped that night Where Elkhorn Branch flows clear and bright And on the morrow traced our way From morning until evening grey; When, weary and in want of rest, And day was dying in the west, We came to where, in former days, A man of rude and wicked ways Was sentenced by an Indian court To suffer for his wanton sport. For thus I've heard the story told : When California's wealth of gold M Was first discovered, and there came Men of each nation, race and name, Two brothers started 'mong the rest To seek the tar-famed, golden West. The one was filled with good and truth, Had prayed from early in his youth, Was social, jolly, kind and free ; Was loved by all his company. Were any of his comrades sick, Who was so thoughtful, who so quick With gentle touch, and cheering word Of counsel, such as none afford But those whose feet the path have trod, Which leads to glory and to God. And many a heart-felt, anxious prayer Had he sent up on midnight air, Invoking mercies from above Upon the brother of his love ; That brother, who so oft had given Offense, and sin, against high Heaven Whose soul was black with many a stain, Whose lips took God's great name in vain ; One might e'en wonder how 'tcould be 12 K A \V - W A U - N I T A . His brother clung to such as he. Yet such the way that Nature runs. They were the same fond mother's sons That mother, o'er whose grave they'd seen The third year's grass grow fresh and green. And strange to say, the reckless one Had been the mother's best loved son, And e're her eyes were closed in sleep, She bade the elder brother keep Unceasing watch and ward upon The future of her younger one. And well and faithfully he'd kept The charge ; for e'en when others slept, That brother sent his prayers above, To God, the glorious King of Love, For him whose every act was sin, Whose soul seemed daily drinking in The principles of vice and crime, Who spent each hour of his time In service of the powers that dwell And hold dominion over hell. This reckless man, in language loud, In presence of a num'rous crowd K A \V - \V A I' - \ IT A . 13 Assembled there to say farewell, And hopes of future joys to tell, Declared he'd send a bullet through The very first that met his view Of the red race ; be what it might, Chief, armed and painted for the fight, Or young, or old, or lovely squaw He vowed to slay the first he saw ; And thus would teach, with murderous hand, The red man to respect his band. I will not stay, but leave them here, Where fell full many a bitter tear, Where fathers held their children fast In fond embrace, perhaps the last. All ! who can tell, or who can guess, If e'er again will fondly press Those loving little lips to ours ? Who knows if in the coming hours Will ever gladly haste to meet Our coming steps, those little feet, Whose pattering sounds have given cheer To every loving parent's ear? 14 K A w - w A U - N I T A - We will not tarry, but we'll go Beyond the broad Missouri's flow ; And take a peep, as if by chance, At Indian camp, where hunting dance Is going forward at its height. It was a strange, fantastic sight, Where painted braves, with whoop and shout, Danced with the beaded squaws about ; For with the morrow's rising sun, Each warrior, each and every one, The chief had ordered all to go To hunt the elk and buffalo, And this last night, they, one and all, Assembled at the hunting ball. Apart from all, there sat a pair You scarcely would have looked for there. A youth, with forehead broad and high, A stately carriage, piercing eye; His agile limbs 'twere easy told, Were cast in noblest Indian mould. Nor could he be admired less, Because of buckskin hunting dress : KAW-WAU-NITA. For he was all, both form and face, That's noblest, manliest in his race. The other \vas an Indian girl, Whose shoulders hid in many a curl Of silken hair whose raven dye Was equalled only by her eye, Whose midnight darkness shot a dart Through many a gallant warrior's heart ; These two, apart from all, sat there Indians, but still a noble pair. They had been talking, and 'twould seem The girl had told the chief a dream. With soft caress, he fondly said : *' 'Tis but a foolish woman's head That's thus annoyed by visions vain Which ne'er may trouble you again. You must not, Kau -Wau-Nita, dear, Think you have any cause to fear ; We only go for one short moon Our mission peaceful, and full soon Wi- will return, our labors o'er, To seek our friends and home once more. 1 6 K. A W - W A U - X I T A . Then will we pass the live-!ong day In perfect happiness away. I'll tell you of exciting race, Of who rode foremost in the chase ; Each incident of all the scout I'll tell you faithfully about ; And you shall tell me how each day You've passed while I have been away. And then, perhaps, but 'tis too soon, I will be home at least a moon Before that other joy shall come To glad our hearts and cheer our home." " Yes, Yes," she said, " but while I think Of that sweet draught we hope to drink, Some darkening shadow comes o'er me, Nor can I tell why this should be, Nor am I ever from it free." The Indian tried, with soft caress, To dissipate the squaw's distress ; But, though she smiled and dried her tears, Still had she some instinctive fears : Nor could she tell, as she had said, What cause she had for fear or dread. KA\V - \VA I' -N IT A . 17 W lien the red glow in eastern skies Told that the sun was soon to rise, The Fearless Eagle fondly pressed His Kaw-Wau-Nita to his breast ; And bidding her be brave and strong, His hunting horn wound shrill and long, Whose echos answering came again From hills that skirt the lovely plain, And vaulted on his saddled steed, A horse of fiery Mustang breed, Whose dam, some seven years ago, While flying from pursuing foe, In jumping o'er a rocky steep A limb had broken in the leap, Was left behind the flying band, And caught by Fearless Ragle's hand. No wonder when the horn was wound This courser, glad to hear the sound. Gave out a wild and joyous shout, And pranced in ecstacy about ; For well he knew that signal horn, Hlown thus at breaking of the morn Foretold full many a chase and hunt. Where he was ever in the front. l8 KAW- WAU-NITA , And Kaw-Wau-Nita still remained, And still her anxious vision strained To catch her gallant lover, till, Turning the angle of a hill, The Eagle and his followers true Were lost to Kaw-Wau-Nita's view. Turning aback, her steps she bent Toward her wigwam ; 'twas a tent Of wide proportions- pictured o'er With work of art ; both wall and door Showed many a wild and lovely sight Wrought out in colors clear and bright. The red deer drinking from a rill That danced in freedom down the hill : Here 'neath a tree, on Summer's day, A group of children were at play. Faithfully had the artist drawn The portraits of a child and fawn The two had been engaged in play And, overcome by heat of day, They sank to rest upon the green ; A sweeter sight was never seen. The child was lying on the ground, K A \\ \V A r-MTA. \r. One chubby arm was passed around The fawn's soft neck, whose head found rest Upon the sleeping baby's breast. The picture brought a happy smile To Kaw-Wau-Xita's eye the while. The days went creeping slowly on, And now the moon was nearly gone ; And Kaw-Wau-Nita, night and morn, Waited to hear the signal horn Listen'd to catch the first shrill note That from the Eagle's horn should float Announcing that from o'er the plain> He brought his followers again. She waited now all full of joy, For on her breast a little boy Who'd come, within the week, to cheef And banish Kaw-Wau-Ntta's fear, Was sweetly sleeping ; she could trace His father's semblance in his face, And o'er his infant slumbers she >ongs of sweetest melody. The morning air was clear and bright } The sun, with glorious golden light, 20 K A W-WA U- N IT A , His life-bestowing glances threw Along the valley, bright with dew, Where pendant crystals flashed and gleamed Until the whole might well have seemed A bed of gems, whose sparkling eyes Gave e'en the god of day surprise. Walking along, amid these charm?, Bearing the baby in her arms, Fond Kaw-Wau-Nita, in her heart, Thanked the Great Spirit for her part Of the rich beauties which His hand Had scattered broad-cast o'er the land. She wandered on, nor paused for aught ; Custom her feet the way had taught For many a time, in days gone by (Lovers can tell the reason why,) She'd tripped, though oft at later hour, Gathering here and there a flower, Along the self-same path which she Was walking now so pensively : Reaching at last a point, she stood In densest portion of the wood, K. A U - \V A U - N" 1 '[' A . And smiled to think how oft her feet Did willingly the task repeat Of threading through the grass and flowers Bright e'en as now with clews and showers To this same quiet trysting place To meet her lover, o'er whose face, At sight of her, would spread a glow Which lovers, only lovers know. She sought the old familiar seat Where first she heard the words more sweet Than other words had ever proved The words that told her she was loved. She sat her down awhile to rest, Her baby sleeping on her breast ; Her happiness would be complete When she her honored chief should meet, Which must be soon. " Ah! whence that fear ? Why comes it now to haunt me here ? I have not known it since the morn My darling one, my boy was born. O ! thou Great Spirit," hist ! a shot, A quick, sharp pain, as fire hot. A bull has pierced the child she pressed, And sunk into the mother's breast. She s.mk in death without a moan, Their spirits in a breath had flown. It happened but the night before, A train had crossed the river o'er, And camped so near the Elk-horn stream, That they could reach it with their team. This very day, before the sun Had more than half his journey done ; Where in the shadow of the trees They'd lunch and give their cattle ease. And as their train winds slow along, With joke and laugh and mirthful song, We'll journey with them on their way, And hear what they may have to say. The first who spoke on general theme, Had just resigned his whip and team ; Swinging his gun, his shoulder o'er, Was starting forward to explore. Said he, " I'll hasten on and see, What in the shape of game may be RAW-WAU-K1TA. 23 In yonder wood ; the task be mine- To furnish meat on which to dine." A comrade spoke with taunting word, So loud that all his fellows heard, And said, " You must remember, Bill, Your promise ere we left the Hill ; You swore to shoot the first you'd see Of untamed Aboriginee. And knowing you to be a man Who'll keep your word, if so you can ; We'll look, and we'll expect that you Will bring, as evidence most true, An Indian's scalp, perhaps a head, To prove you've left an Indian dead. Not that we'd doubt your word, not so ; But 'twould be better known, you know." These words were in a bant' ring tone, That urged the reckless mad-man on To that foul sin, which, gracious heaven, I doubt if it can be forgiven. He muttered something scarcely heard. And said that he would keep his word : 24 KAW- \VAU- N t T A . Started ahead and left the train To wind its way across the plain. He reached the wood, but scarce had been Three minutes 'neath its foliage green Until, within short range, he saw, As we have seen her too, a squaw : He looked with furtive glance around, Saw nothing moving, heard no sound ; He raised his rifle, scann'd the sight, The deadly bullet took its flight, And e're the smoke had upward curled Two souls had sought the other world Where pain and grief are never found They'd reached the happy hunting ground. His comrades gathered 'round to see The murdered pair beneath the tree ; His brother's anguish at the sight Was pititul to witness, quite ; And e'en the murderer's heart grew sore, And more than once he muttered o'er The bitterest curses on the one Who taunted, pressed, and urged him on KAW- WA T- XIT A . 25 To do this deed, which now, full-well, He felt would sink his soul to hell. They did not halt, they did not feed Their teams, but with redoubled speed They started forward, nor did rest Until the sun had reached the west, When wearied out they loosed their team To rest upon this self-same stream. When Fearless Eagle wound his horn, Upon that bright and lovely morn, He hoped before the evening tide To reach his home and meet his bride ; And mounting once again his steed Struck forward at tremendous speed ; Still followed as he dashed along P.y his good braves, two hundred strong. They reached a little stream, whose run Marked half their homeward journey done. And halting here their girths untied, And loitering by the brooklet's side, Allowed an hour or so to pass Krewhile their horses cropped the grass. 26 KAW- WAV- NIT A . Then saddling up, once more they move Towards the home and friends they love. The sun within an hour would set, And all was bright and lovely yet. When coming home another way Than that he traversed on the day He started forth, he reached a mound Of gently elevated ground ; And here he paused, for, from this height,. A scene of beauty met his sight Which artist may repeat again, But so far has been tried in vain. Beneath him lay the valley wide Through which the Platte's impatient tide Coursed onward with unceasing run, It's wavelets sparkling in the sun, And flashing, glittering, 'till 'twould seem The gorgeous creature of a dream. A mile from where his courser stood, Beneath the shadow of the wood A hundred wigwams could be seen ; While scattered o'er the valley green Were horses browsing, here and there K v \V - W A U - X IT A . 27 A quartette, trio, or a pair, Engaged in sports as horses can When free from the restraint of man ; Now in a contest far and fleet, .\o\v standing on their hindmost feet ; Parrying now each other's blows, And sinking now where they arose, With ears laid back they try again Their speed across the level plain. The eyes of Fearless Eagle move O'er all, with mingled pride and love, For though the daring chief might roam, Still, still was this his cherished home. Here did he open first his eyes To verdant earth and azure skies ; Here slept his sires beside the stream ; Here first he dreampt affection's dream. And, as he thought of her he loved, His hand instinctively he moved To where his hunting horn was strung, And loosely from his shoulder hung, And winding forth a cheerful strain Dashed down across the level plain. 2 K A \V - W A U - X I T A . The note of Eagle's hunting horn Was scarcely from the bugle borne, When cheerful voices back did float In answer to the signal note. The young came first, on flying feet Their home-returning friends to meet ; The squaws more slowly came, and still Behind, but not from lack of will, The aged and decrepid came, With weight of years grown grey and lame- Their wrinkled faces flush with pride As slowly to the village ride The Fearless Eagle and his band, With many a smile and grip of hand. The aged Indians thought of joys When years ago, and they were boys, They knew when coming home once more, The danger and excitement o'er, Each one had seen the happy day When with his comrades, brave and gay, He'd known the pride and joy which now Was stamped on every warrior's brow ; K A \V - \\ A U - X I 1 A . 29 Had heard the welcomings so dear To every weary hunter's ear. Now as the braves ride slow along, More dense becomes the moving throng ; Until at last they mingle all, The young, the old, the great and small, The horses neigh, the dogs bark round With strange commingling of sound. The men with deep, strong, cheerful notes, The sharp, shrill calls of younger throats, The trembling tones of weak old age, All, all unite, and all engage To greet the friends they love so well, And loud the song of welcome swell. The Fearless Eagle glanced around, As if his eye had not yet found Some object which, of all the rest, Should render him more fully blessed, And failng, still, that one to find, He quickly left the rest behind, And something like a shade of fear His features swept, as he drew near The wigwam ; where full many a day 30 K A W - W A U - N I T A . On lightning wings had sped away, When by his side, with word and smile, His Kaw-Wau-Nita sat the while. Why should she linger when the rest With eager shoutings round him pressed ? Why should she in her wigwam stay ? Had she no welc'ming word to say ? Her love, her truth he did not doubt ; But why, he could not make it out, Was she behind, when he would give, Right cheerfully, his right to live, Before he would consent to dwell Apart from her he loved so well ? He loved his tribe, yet, truth to say, As Fearless Eagle took his way Toward the wigwam ; " Well," he thought, " To me their greetings pleasure brought, Yet will I not the fact deny, Though for it I this moment die, More, more, to me, than all I heard, I prize from her one loving word, And more to me, than all the band, Is the soft pressure of her hand." K A \V - \V A U - N I T A . 31 Who blames the Eagle ? Sure such love Was born in heaven and far above The cares and trials that we meet Without it life were incomplete. He reached and raised the curtained door, Stepped in upon the matted floor. With hurried step he crossed, that he The room beyond might reach and see If Kaw-Wau-Nita slept, or why ? Ah ! what is this attracts his eye ? He stooped, and lifted from the ground, A tiny moccasin ; all bound And beaded o'er, with such sweet skill As woman's fingers ever will Display in trimming things to greet The coming of expected feet ; It's fellow, not yet finished, lay Directly in the chieftain's way ; He placed the two together, and Lifted with anxious, trembling hand, The inner curtain ; but there came No answer, though he spoke her name. A skin of Panther's cub was there, 32 KA W- WAU-NITA. And, with the coarser fur of Bear, The Eagle saw had formed a bed Which yet held mark of infant head. He tossed the baby slippers there, And now full-well he knew an heir Had come to claim, as rightful one, The robe of Indian Chieftain's son ; For only son of chief may claim The animal no hand can tame, Significant that in repose He masters e'en the worst of foes. The chieftain now his steps retraced, And sought among the crowd in haste An aged squaw he knew, who'd guide His steps to Kaw-Wau-Nita's side. " Mother." in low respectful voice ; "Mother, I with the rest rejoice To meet, once more, at close of day, After our journey far away, Beneath the shadow of the tree Which, from a child, has sheltered me ; But where is she whom, more than life, I fondly prize ? Where is my wife ? KANV - \VA r- XITA . 33 The old squaw started, and she went In haste to Kaw-Wau-Nita's tent ; I thought," she said, " to find her here, lUit my dear son has naught to fear ; Rest here, the while I go and look Adown the path that's by the brook ; For often, now, she likes to stray Alone from all the rest away, And murmur forth her love and joy, With none to hear her but her boy. For it may be, my son, to you, A story wonderful and new Vet graver truth was never told Your son is near a half moon old ; But rest you here ; I'll find the two, And bring them safely back to you." " Hold !" cried the chief, " I know the track ; I'll go myself and bring them back. I am not weary ; and 'twill do Me good to go instead of you." And acting on the closing word, He started forth, like flight of bird, Taking the path he knew so well, 34 K AW- \VAU- NIT A . That led adown the wooded dell. The Eagle followed down the way, Just as the glowing god of day Was sinking down to take his rest, Amid the valleys of the west ; But still his light lay soft and sweet, Guiding aright the chieftain's feet. He reached, at last, a point where stood The mightiest giants of the wood, Then turning to the right, he goes More near to where the brooklet flows ; Thinking he would approach behind, The brushwood screening as a blind, And soon he'd fill with glad surprize His Kaw-Wau-Nita's wondering eyes. Cautiously now he takes his way, Not that he fears to go astray, But he would be so near the side Of Kaw-Wau-Nita, his sweet bride, So near, that he a kiss might claim Before his lips should speak her name. K .\-\V-\V A U-N IT A. 35 Softly he crept towards the bower So soft that neither shrub nor flower Gave token of his presence there And, through the silent twilight air Creeping along above the brook, T'ie leaves he parts : with one wild look, ().. _ \\ .. ivr bound, he kneels beside His mimic, ^d wife, his hope and pride. Ye, o'er whose lives, in early spring, Some fate did dark'ning shadow fling, Whose hearts were broken years ago, When fell the sad and awful blow Which sealed the fountain of your tears Which, though 'twas long, long weary years Ago it fell ; yet, still the pain Cuts soul and body, heart and brain : Your's are the spirits that can tell The bitter agonies that swell Within the bosom of the chief Whom death alone can give relief. Spell-bound by grief, he could not move ; Before him lay in death his love. 36 K A W - W A U - N I T A . He heaved, at last, one bitter groan, And cold, as was the mossy stone Beside him, grew the sorrowing heart Which once at word of hers could start. Clasping his hands above his head, He gazed in silence on the dead, And while he gazed and waited still, In neighboring bush the whip-poor-will Awoke the chieftain from the spell Whose tortures equal those of hell. He roused himself, and bending o'er That form which now would never more Walk forth beside him ; nor whose voice Would ever cause him to rejoice, He sought, nor sought in vain, the wound ; The task was short, the mark was found Which showed that in the self-same breath Mother and child had sank in death. Then kneeling there, he raised his eyes To the Great Spirit in the skies ; And with a hand on each and both, He took a sacred, solemn oath CAW-WAU-NITA. 37 That he would never rest till he O'ertook, wherever they might be, The murderers ; and, in sacred trust, Avenge the innocent and just. " Hear me, Great Spirit ! hear my prayer ; I here forego all other care ; Grant me but life this work to do For she was good, and pure, and true, And I could never see her face Were I to leave this lonely place, Without I punish first the fiend Who brought her to untimely end. Grant me but this, when this I've done, With tomahawk, and bow, and gun, My tribe shall place me in the mound, And in the happy hunting ground Where all is bright, and glad, and fair, I'll meet my Kaw-Wau-Nita there." He started up and wound his horn, Not gaily as on hunting morn, But in a sad and plaintive note, The sound did through the forest float, And hearing it, his people fly 286781 38 KA W-WAU- NI TA . With fear expressed in every eye, Nor halt they 'till they see their chief, Made stern and cold by his great grief. They gathered 'round the spot, where lay Poor Kaw-Wau-Nita's lifeless clay The Eagle sternly waved his hand, " Silence," he cried, and his command Came like a voice from out the grave ; Like thunder echoing from a cave ; Then followed silence, such as can Bring fear to e'en the heart of man. The chieftain's voice the silence broke And to his people thus he spoke : " The murderer's hand has ta'en the life Of these, your chieftain's child and wife ; Though woe our hearts to ashes burn, Not now our time to weep and mourn ; Though deep and bitter be our grief, Revenge alone can give relief. I go, to-night, and only ask Such ones to join me in the task As choose to go without command ; KAW- W AU-NITA. 39 And here let each one understand Who goes with me hath need of strength ; I cannot tell the journey's length, Yet I'm determined ; naught can change My mind. I can alone avenge The death of her, whose life to me Was more than all the world can be." He called the squaws, and bade them bear Their lifeless queen, with gentle care, Back to the village with his child ; And here the chief, in anguish wild, O'ercome with sorrow, bent and pressed His cold, dead darlings to his breast. He started up, as from a dream Just rousing from a sleep 'twould seem, And, as he turned to leave the place, So stern and rigid was his face, A stranger would at once have said The grave had given up its dead ; And truly, too ; for dead was he To all that might in future be ; He moved, 'tis true, but only moved T'avenge the death of those he loved. 40 K A W - \V A U - N I T A . But scarce a dozen steps he took Along the windings of the brook, When, flying towards him, came his men Fresh mounted for the road again. An aged warrior, who had seen Seventy times the woods grow green, Rode foremost, and by rein did lead The chieftain's favorite mustang steed. The old man spoke : ' My chief," he said. " 'Tis true our lovely queen is dead ; Slain by a coward, who'd not dare To meet a warrior free and fair ; Who should pursue but those who knoAv The habits of the pale-faced foe ? For never was an Indian known To shoot a squaw unarmed and lone ? Some pale-face has this murder done, And I must go ; I will be one To track, and double vengeance take For poor, lost Kaw-Wau-Nita's sake. Forbid me not, my chief, I pray ; I cannot here behind you stay I, who have cradled on my breast Poor Kaw-Wau-Nita, now at rest KANV-WAU-NITA. 1, who have watched your boyhood days I, who have taught you in the ways Of war and peace. O ! let me now Fulfil my oft-repeated vow- To die, if need be, in your stead ; For it were better I were dead, Than see the grass grow green above The last of all the earth I love." The Eagle's heart, though bowed in grief, Gained from the old man's words relief, For as the Silver Fox had said, In infancy his steps were led By the firm hand of him who stood Ready to shed his heart's best blood To shield his chief from thrust or blow, By warrior brave, or lurking foe. The Eagle spoke : " Brave Silver Fox, The threads of grey among your locks. Your wrinkled brow, your furrowed cheek, The near approach of rest bespeak ; I would not lead you out to try Your hand or heart, for though your eye lie quick and clear, yet time has told 42 KA W- WAU-NIT A . It's story ; and you're grovring old. Your chief needs now no act to prove Your truth, your fealty and love ; Then rest you here ; let younger heads Forego the comfort of their beds ; Here let the Silver Fox remain Until his chief returns again. Give me your blessing." " Nay, my chief, To stay will give me no relief ; See ! I am armed for deadliest strife, My bow, my whetted scalping knife ; This spear my hand has often flung A hundred yards, and from among As many warriors found the chief, And brought my enemy to grief; Though Time with lines has marked my face, You'll find me foremost in the chase. This arm, though shrunken, yet can throw The deadly spear, or from this bow Can send an arrow, swift as flies The thunderbolt along the skies." A moisture dimmed the chieftain's eye : He did not venture a reply ; But stepping forward now, he gave' K AW - w ,\ r- N i i \ . 43 His hand a quick assenting waive, And mounting, silently, his horse Was hesitating on the course He'd best pursue, for in the night No trail could guide their steps aright. Close to his side the brush did part, So close it made his courser start, And a young Indian girl, with feet As light as dew, came out to meet And tell the chieftain that a train Of pale-faces had crossed the plain Since noon that day. " They came," she said, " From where the sun lifts up his head ;" Pointing the while, with one small hand, Away toward the eastern land : " They went " she held the other one Towards the setting of the sun ; And darting like a nimble fawn The little Indian maid was gone. The Eagle turned his horse's head, No sign he gave, no word he said ; But turning down the bank not far, He reached the sandy fording bar, 44 K A W - W A U - N 1 T A . And plunging in the shallow tide, He safely reached the other side ; And pressing closely came his braves, Like mad impatient ocean waves. The night had deepened down, and all Was covered by its sable pall ; And now and then, with mournful cry, The wind in gusts went sweeping by. The sky, which through the day had been As clear as sky was ever seen, Was mantled now with shadows deep, And o'er the earth began to creep A dampening mist, which hid from sight Landmarks which many another night Had guided Fearless Eagle right. They marched at random, for they could See neither mountain, stream nor wood, And guided only by the sound Their steeds made tramping on the ground. They reached a place they knew, at last, When hours of wearying toil were passed ; 'Twas by a stream whose sullen flow Was fordable some miles below ; K A \V - W A U - N IT A . Where now a road winds through the vale, Known as the California trail. They halted not, but turning then The Fearless Eagle and his men Followed the windings of the stream, Which varied like a changing dream ; Now smooth and straight, sometimes they go So near the dark and silent flow Their horses break the bank before They know they're at the river shore ; And shying, the riders scarce maintain Their seats by clinging to the mane, Each of his courser, 'till again They're safe upon the level plain ; Now dancing merrily along, It's music like a joyous song : Now madly dashing on it's course, Like wild, impatient desert horse , And murm'ring anon, in accents sweet As lovers' tones when lovers meet. The mist hung over stream and land : Though e'en the day was close at hand, And in the East the long grey streaks 46 K A W - \\" A U - X I T A . Which well the dawn of day bespeaks ; Yet still the darkness of the mist, Obscured from each the other. " Hist !" Said Silver Fox, " I think I hear Their cattle browsing very near." ' Twas the first word that had been spoke Sine? through the Elkhorn stream they broke And following close the Silver Fox, They soon could hear a grazing ox. Browsing the herbage fresh and new, And sweetened by the crystal dew, And now, though dimly, they could hear It's fellow ruminating near. Thus they could quickly understand That emigrants were near at hand, Nor did they doubt but these were they, Who passed upon the previous day. A whispered council, now, the chief Held with the Silver Fox, but brief, And at its close they turned aback, Following now their fresh made track, Until they reached the place where they Might safely pause their plans to lay. KAW-WAU-NITA. 47 The Eagle spoke, "I'll take," said he, " One-half our force to follow me, And move around the eastern way, Before the coming light of day Shall show our movements to our foes, Or cause them to forsake repose ; The Silver Fox will here remain, Until the stream beyond I gain. And if the slumbering foe take fear, The Fox before him shall appear ; But better 'twere that they should sleep, And we our distance from them keep, Until the morning sun shall rise And with his glory fill the skies ; For should we rouse them now, 'tis sure, \Vhile darkness renders all obscure, The one we seek might from us fly, And in his stead another die. Mark you ! in any case, I would Avoid the useless shedding blood ; I only wish to take the life Of him who slew my child and wife." Xo more was said : and starting out, K A W - W A U - N I T A . 48 The chieftain, by circuitous route, Reached, as the sun just showed his head In rising from his dewy bed, A point secluded by a mound Where once had been a burial ground Of some old tribe, that years before Had lived and died upon the shore Of this small stream, whose waters came And went, and ever will the same. One hardy emigrant had kept A guard, while all the others slept : Who, just as first was seen the line Of greyish light, the certain sign That morn's approach was close at hand, Had courted sleep who o'er his band Had spread her soft and soothing wings ; Whose shadow strength for labor brings And rousing now bestir them round, With many an old familiar sound ; Ah ! who, that once such scene has met, Can breakfast hour in camp forget. Their breakfast over, some must go To drive their cattle from below, K A \V - \V A r - N T I T A . 49 VVhile others sought the upper stream To find the balance of the team. But now the Eagle's braves were seen, Slow riding o'er the prairie green ; And Silver Fox came out in sight, As if to check expected flight. Each party moved with steady tramp Directly towards the white men's camp. The men who first had started out, At sight of Indians turned about ; And gathering quickly, held a sort < )f war-council, though it was short, For they expected naught but strife, And each determined that his life Should cost the foe full dearly ; for They knew the terms of Indian war. The Eagle halted only when Two hundred yards himself and men Stood distant from the fires of those, Whom now he felt to be his foes. He bade his followers here remain, And riding slowly o'er the plain 50 KAW-WAU-NITA. Approached the wagons and the men r As if he came but once again To greet, in friendly way, as friend, Whose coming has no other end. The Eagle spoke not, gave no sign Until he was within the line Of campment ; then in solemn tone, He told them of the murder done ; Of how his wife and little one, Were gone forever from his sight That on his life had fall'n a blight, That time or change could not dispel ; Though years were given him to dwell 'Mid scenes of joy and happy life, Still must he mourn his murdered wife, " I make," he said, " No war upon Your people, save the guilty one Who, yesterday, in yonder grove, Ruthlessly murdered those I love ; Him will I have ; and in such way, He must for this foul murder pay, As in our Council we shall see The right and proper way to be. K A >V - W A U - N I T A . 5 C I come to tell you, now and here, The innocent have naught to fear From me or mine ; provided you Do as you would that I should do, If any member of my band Had, unprovoked, with murderous hand Done deed like this which bows in grief The tribe of which I am the chief. I come in fairness ; and I would Be fairly heard and understood. Give me the murderer of my wife ; And, though his miserable life Can never pay the debt, yet \ve Will bid you go in peace, and he Must answer with his life to me." The leader of the whites a man Whom, if his face but once you'd scan, You'd read the lines by nature penned, Brave foe, or true unflinching friend Came forward, and with ease could trace Upon the Fearless Eagle's face Deep lines of woe and bitter grief, And thus he did address the chief : 52 K A \V - \V A U - N 1 T A . " Brave chieftain, truly we regret That you have this great sorrow met ; But why should you suppose that we Connected with this murder be ? We came, 'tis true, by yonder wood ; But how it could be understood That we knew aught of what you say Transpired there on yesterday, Is more, brave chief, than I can see ; Perhaps you can enlighten me ?" He did not here the charge deny, But yet would have a reason why These people said that of his train Some one had wrought the sin, whose stain Could only be atoned for by Yielding the victim up to die. The Eagle's eye meantime had scanned Each member of the pale-faced band ; And 'twas not difficult to tell When on the guilty one it fell ; For lettered page is not more plain Than was, upon his face, the stain With which Jehovah branded Cain. K A \\ - \v A r- x IT A . 53 "See !" said the chieftain, " There's the man : Let him deny it, if he can ; I need no other proof; 'tis clear ; His quaking limbs, his look of fear Bespeak his guilt, in language true, Of crime a coward's hand might do. Him I demand : but here would say, To give you time, I'll go away ; And think ye well what you will do, For when I send my braves to you ; Should you refuse the guilty one You seal your fate. I've spoke ; I'm done." And turning, rode to meet again His braves who waited on the plain. The white men had but one resource ; And to decide upon their course, They now held council ; and from each Opinion gained in open speech. The leader spoke : " Be not deceived, These people justly feel aggrieved ; And theirs' is but a just demand, That the unfeeling wretch, whose hand Thus murdered one they held so high, 54 KAW-WAU-NITA, Should by their laws and customs die ; And we, ourselves, are blameless not We should have hung him on the spot. Think you, my friends, which one of you, If yonder tribe were passing through Our fields at home, and, 'neath a tree, One of their number chanced to see Your wife, your sister, or your friend Reclining ; and for naught should send A deadly shaft to slay her there ; Which of you could such monster spare ; Show me such man ? I'll show you one With whom I am forever done. 'Tis right that we should turn him o'er; What say you all ? I've nothing more." Another spoke : " For one," said he ; " I with our captain must agree. Had this man met in equal strife, Yon Indian chief, and ta'en his life, My life I'd lose upon this field Before I would my comrade yield. But it was murder, vile and base A stain upon our name and race KAW- WAU-N1TA. 5$ There is no reason why we should Protect him ; even if we could. Who with us thinks this man should die ? Proclaim' t at once by saying ' aye.' ' ' 11 Aye," came, in deep and solemn sound, From all upon that camping ground Excepting two, who stood aside The one whose case was being tried The other was his brother, than Whom never lived a nobler man ; Who, hearing thus his friends decide, Now moved with firm and steady stride Toward the centre of the ring, And there his head uncovering, While all around him closely pressed, He thus his listening friends addressed : " Comrades, I've heard the reasons why You'd give my brother up to die ; Nor can I say you are unjust, For though his brother, still I must Admit that he has not a right To e'en expect that you would fight To save him from whatever fate 56 K A \V-\VAU-NITA . At hands of yonder tribe await The doer of a deed so dark ; Well might it vanquish every spark Of friendly feeling, from each one Who knows such damning deed was done. But he's my brother ; and I crave The privilege his life to save. " Our mother's spirit weeps, to-day, For him who thus has gone astray. His life, since first it did begin, Has been one vile unbroken sin ; And should he die, to-day, I know The regions of despair below Will open wide their gates to give His soul a place. O ! let him live To mend his ways, and by God's grace Prepare himself for that blessed place Where angels dwell, where all is fair, And where, at last, unbroken there, Our household band will join to sing The praises of the Heavenly King. I who address you, now and here, Have nothing after death to fear ; K A \V - \V A T - N r I T A . 57 'Tis for a life these people cry ; Then let me for my brother die." No tears were in the eyes, nor trace Of passion marred that youthful face ; But courage, manly, brave and true, Beamed from those honest eyes of blue ; And well, full well, his comrades knew, lust what he said he meant to do. The leader of the little band Extended to the youth his hand, Saying, " No, my boy, it may not be, Never shall you, from sinning free, Be sacrificed for such as he. " Then to the other one he said : " This you have brought on your own head : I cannot tell you all the pain This gives me ; the attempt were vain, But there is time to yet prepare ; Breathe out to God one heart-felt prayer, And be assured that never yet A contrite heart refusal met. The dying thief for mercy pled ; 58 K A W - W A U - N 1 T A . 'Remember me,' the words he said ; And Christ, of all the Law the End, Our first, our last, our only friend, Bade him rejoice. ' To-day' said He, 'Thou'lt be in Paradise with me.' Look, then, to Christ, for through His blood Thejworst may hope for peace with God. Your fate we may not now control ; May God have mercy on your soul." And turning, did but vainly try To hide the tear that dimmed his eye. Then, one by one, with sorrowing look,, And kindly while their voices shook With sorrow such as few can tell They bade th' unhappy man farewell. And now the Fearless Eagle's horn Awoke the echoes of the morn, And every warrior ready stood To mount his steed and shed his blood, If such must be ; but, while they stand, Each with a deadly spear in hand, The chief drew off a squad of three, Instructing them to go and see K.\ W- WA U-N1T A . 59 What said the captain of the train, And then return to him again. They rode to where the captain sat His eyes were shaded by his hat But at their coming raised his head, And answering them, " go back," he said, " And tell your chief to come and take This man ; who, for his brother's sake, I fain would shield ; but 'tmay not be, I would his face I ne'er did see." They turned ; and when once more they gained Their chieftain's side, and had explained The white man's words ; he waived his hand, And as a single man his band Leaped to their saddles ; and he gave His tasseled spear a signal waive, And Silver Fox marched at the sign, To meet the chief's advancing line. They formed a line, extending round The white men and their camping ground, And inward pressed until so near That either side might cast a spear 6o K A W - W A I" - X I I A . Beyond the centre of the space ; " Halt," cried the chief; and face to face, The white men meet, turn where they will, The war-striped face of warrior still. The Fearless Eagle now advanced His mustang tossed his head and pranced, Rearing aloft, and onward, till At single word, he stood as still As stands the everlasting hill. "White men," 'twas thus the Eagle spoke ; " His word no Indian ever broke, And now you have my word that none Shall suffer but the guilty one ; That, though you are my prisoners, yet My promise I will not forget ; Show me the murderer of my wife ; Yield him to me, for with his life He here must answer for his crime Here, on the spot, and now the time." The pale-faced leader with his hand, In answer to the chief's command, Pointed to him, who, sorrowing there, Seemed crazed by terror and despair. K.A \V-W A U- N I I A . 6 I " Let the Black Wolf and Panther take And bind yon pale face to a stake ; The Silver Fox will search with care, For arms the other whites may bear And having all their guns secured That we of peace may be assured Will march them out three hundred yards, And over them will station guards. But mind you all, let not a hand Against a member of their band Be raised to harm them ; now, I say, Mark well my orders, and obey." Forth, then, the Wolf and Panther came And quickly they secured their game. The Silver Fox, with ready hand, Obeyed the chieftain's next command ; And when, at last, he ceased his search, He bade the white men 'forward march,' And marched them out, and did, in brief, All he wa? ordered by his chief. Then turned towards the camping ground ; Where now his friends were seated 'round In solemn Council 'round the blaze, 02 K A W - \V A U - N I T A . As chiefs who lived in olden days Had held their councils oftentimes O'er those who had committed crimes. The Eagle soon the Fox descried, And beckoned him approach his side. Their council o'er, they rise and stand Extending each to each a hand. The chieftain bade the Wolf be sure, And make the fastenings all secure. The Wolf approached the trembling wretch The stakes are set, his limbs they stretch, And fastening him at utmost spread Rendered him helpless as if dead. His piteous prayers they heeded not He begged in mercy to be shot But heeding not his prayers and cries, Whetted their knives before his eyes. Then, cautiously, they did begin T'remove from off his flesh his skin While yet alive ; and told him, too, What they were now about to do. K A W - W A U - N 1 T A . 63 He had expected they would take And scalp, and burn him at the stake ; Had dreaded tortures such as men Have suffered o'er and o'er again, But never did the thought arrive To him of being flayed alive. Their work they did by slow degrees, With caution, and infernal ease, The victim's comrades closed their ears Against his shrieks, which pierced like spears, 'Till when an hour's time had run The horrid, hellish deed was done. They loosed his feet, they loosed his hands, Obedient to the chiefs commands ; And rising to his feet, he stood A mass of quivering flesh and blood ; One moment only, stood he there, But in that moment breathed a prayer As plain as ever mortal spake, " Have mercy, Lord, for Jesus' sake," And then, his pain and trouble o'er, Sank down in death to rise no more. Miscellaneous Rhymes. M Y 1) A R L I N G . Soft little hands has my darling ; Her brown curls are wavy and long, And sweet as the note of the wild bird, Is the voice of my darling in song. Her eyes are as black as the midnight, And as deep as the dark rolling sea ; And her sweet winning smile is like sunlight- 'Tis the sunlight of Heaven to me. Hci movements are graceful and easy ; Her step light as that of the fawn ; And cheerfully rises the daisy Just pressed by her foot on the lawn. - her ! O 1 Father in Heaven ; Send angels to guard her from sin, And lead her to Heaven's bright portals, Where, bid her in peace enter in. 66 MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES. THE MUSTANG. Proudly he marshalled his fleet-footed clan, Out on the green grassy plain, Where the Antelope bounded in freedom, and where The hunter pursues in vain. He led them along by the foot of the hill r Where the grass grew fresh and green ; In his train came many a Desert Prince, And many a Prairie Queen. You may talk of your thorough-breds, if you will, Trained for the course and the ring ; This hero of mine could excel them all, For he was a thorough-bred King. The vaqueros rode forth on their prancing steeds, And thought to surround the band ; Each rode well and swung aloft The "riatta," with well-nerved hand. But the mustang tossed his head on high, As he snuffed the tainted air, And around, and around his herd did he fly, To be sure that he left none there. MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES. 6? Then his voice was heard in a warning neigh, And away they flew like the wind ; Like the rushing waves of a storm-tossed sea ; But the King remained behind. When the lariats hissed, and the hunters thought He was e'en their captive now, His courage was grand as ever adorned A monarch's regal brow. He stood on the open prairie there, 'Till the herd was safe from the foe, Then his tasseled crest he shook in the air, And turned himself to go. But ere he fled one ringing neigh, Back on his foes did he fling ; As if he would say, " Ye cannot enslave The free-born Mustang King." As the Eagle cuts the azure skies, And vanishes from the sight Like cloud-shadow driven across the plain- Such was the mustang's flight. 68 MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES. FAME. I mind me of the good old days, when I was but a boy ; When all the world was bright ahead, and the future full of joy ; When care was far away from me, and happy were the hours I wandered on my sunny way, amid hope's fragrant flowers. V But ah ! the flowers I gathered then, were faded long ago ; And the hopes which made the future bright, are cold as mountain snow. I clearly can remember, how I longed for man's estate And dreamed of honors lightly won, which yet should make me great ; I dreamed of mighty battles, where heroes fought and fell, And my dreams were far too numerous and lengthy here to tell : But still I was a dreamer, and even now each dream Comes back, to-night, with music, like the rippling of a stream. MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES. 69 Since then I've climbed the mountain, where fiercest winds do blow, Where the flowers lie hidden far beneath the ever- lasting snow ; I've stood since then upon the deck, and rode the crested wave, Where our good ship struggled long and well to shun a. watery grave ; Where many of my mess-mates, whose memories still I love, Went down to dwell with mermaids in their shining coral grove. I've seen the field of battle where my comrades fell around, Where streams of blood of dying men, went cours- ing o'er the ground ; I've stood beside a. comrade when the battle's rage was o'er, And closed in death those eyes whose smiles will meet my own no more Ah ! friends of mine, believe me, 'tis but an idle name, What men so oft have written of, and what's en- titled fame. 70 MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES, LINES. U'n'ffen in a Ladv' s Album at a Partv. May time still move as lightly, May prospects look as brightly, And peace compress as tightly, The scenes wherein we move ; May we ever be contented, And never be prevented From being all cemented In the happy bonds of love. And when this gay world shall fail us, And our friends in coffins bale us, And the green earth shall inhale us, And our bodies sleep for aye ; May the Heavenly King then call us, And in happiness install us, Where no evil can befall us, Nor our friendship pass away. There our spirits will be joyous ; There no enemy annoy us ; Nor shall jealousy destroy us, Xor envy mar our rest. M I S C E 1. 1. A X E ( > U S R H Y M E S . There Christ, our Elder Brother, With His love our griefs will smother, And a love for one another Will spring up in every breast. FROM SWEDISH MELODIES. My life is a wave, Tossed on the rough sea : As light as the wing Of the eagle so free : Now leaping aloft, A sun-gilded wave ; Now lost among shadows As deep as the grave. Now sinking far down From sight of the world r 'Neath Fate's bitter frown I'm cruelly hurled ; And anon from the depths Of the darkness I rise, Like a wave do I dance In the light of the skies. 72 MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES. Yes, life is a wave On Time's raging sea ; The creature of Fortune, Wherever I be ; Now borne on Hope's crest ; Now to Sorrow a slave : Ah ! well may my life Be compared to a wave. SING ME A SONG. Sing me a song, fair lady, For my heart is heavy with woe ; And I would go back, in fancy, to-night, To the happy long ago. Sing me a song, fair lady, That tells of the days gone by, When the future was bright as the morning light, And my heart with hope beat high. Sing me a song, fair lady, The song that you love to sing ; It will soothe the pain in my aching heart, Like the waft of an angel's wing. MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES. 73 T HE SALOON. We are sitting to-night in the same saloon, Where many have sat too long ; But we only want to pass an hour In social drink and song. Many are the hearts that are sad to-night, And many the tearful eyes; But we'll drink our drams and sing our songs, And never heed their sighs. We know that we left dear friends at home, And promised a quick return; And our mothers, our wives, and children will wait 'Till the midnight tapers burn; But we will be merry while here we sit, And drive dull care away; And we won't go home to our waiting friends 'Till the dawning of the day. We know that in Holy Writ 'tis said, That hard is the sinner's way; That the drunkard's child shall want for bread, Is what the Scriptures say : 74 MISCELLANEOUS RHYME'S. But here we are together, to-night ; Each face is bright and fair ; Then fill the bowl to the brim, my lads-, We'll drive away dull care. There are tears in that bowl, sad tears of grief. And bitter, bitter sighs ; There are wrongs endured by patient hearts-, And weary watching eyes. Then leave the sparkling bowl, to-night, You can not leave too soon Give joy to those aching hearts at home ; Forsake the gay Saloon. CAMPAIGN SONG, 1872. Rally, once more, 'round the hero of Richmond",. Rally, once more, in the cause of the just ; But leave in your tents each musket and sabre, Long may they lie and in idleness rust. Come from your homes on the Fifth of November,, Come to the polls with your ballots in hand ; And, comrades, inscribe on each ballot the name Of the hero who conquered the foes of our land , MISCELLANEOUS RHYMES. 75 Once, when our nation was weeping and gory Too well we remember each terrible day He marshalled us forth for the Wilderness battle, Where our enemies met us in hostile array. O ! the sad sight which on every side met us, A comrade here lying, and racked by death-pain, And there, by his side, lay the soldier in grey Brave boys, they died friends upon that bloody plain. But when the fierce raging contest was ovef When brave Bobbie Lee did his army release Our big-hearted Grant, in taking the hand Of that brave old Commander, said, " Let us have peace." BREAKING UP OF THE LEGISLATURE. I am sure it would please you, if you could but see One half of the tricks that are here being played ; If you want your axe ground, you must out with the fee, For the axe wont be ground till the money is p ii