The song of U-ri-on-tah

Preface

"In a subtle system of cosmogony and creative effort, in which occurring divinities are recognized as having either performed a part, or as having by antagonistic powers disturbed the work after it was completed, the whole universe (earth, planets and sky) is regarded indeed as animated, either in part or symbolically.

" Each class of creation is believed to have its representative deities, who have eyes and ears open to everything that exists, transpires or is uttered. Viewed in this light, winds have voices, the leaves of the trees utter a language ; and even the earth is animated by a host of spirits who have an influence on the affairs of men. Hence many of their chants and songs, accompanied with music, have allusions to this wide and boundless theory of created matter.

" In short, it may be affirmed that the American Indians believe that every element is a part of the creative God. Whenever Indian sentiment is expressed, there is a tendency to the pensive, the reminiscent. It may be questioned whether hope is an ingredient of the Indian mind. All the tendency of reflection is directed toward the past. He is a man of reminiscences rather than anticipation. Intellectualization has seldom enough influence to prevail over the present, and still more rarely over the future.

"The consequence is that, whenever the Indian relaxes his sternness and insensibility to external objects, and softens into feeling and sentiment, the mind is surrounded by fears of evil and despondency. To lament and not to hope, is its characteristic feature. " — Schoolcraft.

Accepting this authoritative delineation of the chief traits in the life and character of the Ameri-

PREFA CE.

can Indian, the reader will readily concede the authenticity of the scenes and incidents so meagerly portrayed in the Song of U-ri-on-tah.

In regard to the measure which has been adopted, the Dusky Chieftain does not feel it obligatory on him to offer apologies to the distinguished author of the " Song of Hi-a-wa-tha," as the measure is distinctively Finnish in its character.

The " Kal-e-va-la," the epic poem chanted by the native bards of Finland, the meter of which was adopted by Longfellow, and by him accredited to the "Kal-e-va-la," dates so far back into the centuries as to be lost in antiquity. Its history has been traced back three thousand years.

Therefore we do not anticipate that the Finlanders will accuse us of plagiarism ; much less, then, should it be thought that we are poaching on the Longfellow preserves.

The Dusky Chieftain desires to express his appreciation of the sympathy which, on many occasions, has been eloquently rendered by the four illustrious Chieftains who are so intimately associated with him in the Song of U-ri-on-tah.

While deeply conscious of his inability to clothe the various scenes and incidents with language at all commensurate with their importance, the Dusky 4

PRE FA CE.

Chief feels assured that the Warriors will prize most highly the solid and enduring fact that, in so far as the historical portion of the Song is concerned, truthfulness has at every point been vigorously maintained.

Therefore, whatever may be offered in criticism of its literary merits, the fact that nothing has been overdrawn will ever remain a well-spring of pleasure.

In writing the music, the Dusky Chieftain simply followed where the words of the Song led him. The music, then, is but the record of the sound and meaning of the words as the latter fell from his pen.

And in the days to come, should the Great Chiefs derive pleasure in singing these Songs when seated around their Council-fires, they may know that they are drawing nigh to

The Dusky U-ri-on-tah.

RUTHVEN, I9OO.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

I. Birth — Youth — Marriage, ... 9

II. Immortality, 55

Chapter I. Birth Youth Marriage

DlMLY seen through mist and vapors, Darkly outlined 'gainst the heavens, Rising sheer above the waters With the purple clouds about it, Stands an awe-inspiring mountain.

At the foot of this grim giant, Pressing close upon the foot-hills, Lies a weird and mystic forest ; And a sea of restless waters, Reaching far beyond the vision, Dances in among the ledges, Round the lonely forest edges.

When the sun comes climbing upward, Up from out the sea of waters, Then the mountain and the forest Glow and smile in gladsome pleasure.

Glint of sunshine through the branches Lighteth up the slumbering forest — Sunlight on the rugged mountain, Sunlight sparkling on the waters, Sunlight bathing all the landscape In its wild, entrancing beauty.

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

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In the days when Nature bended All her efforts toward the building Of the green earth and the waters, It was here she sat and rested, Thinking how to mold a feature To enhance its wondrous beauty.

Long she gazed upon the picture, Then she rose, with hands uplifted, And a sigh escaped her bosom, For she saw no imperfection In her work, and thus she left it, To return whenever weary. It was thus this scene of beauty Soon became the home of Nature.

Now the wind comes gently murmuring, Through the deep, dark forest sighing; White-caps dance upon the billows, On the broad Atlantic tossing, And the surf is sadly moaning Near the borders of the forest.

Then the wind grows strong and stronger, Wildly waving wondering woodland, Shrieking shrill through cragged canon, Roaring loud upon the mountain.

.Clouds come crowding close, concealing Forks of lightning, half revealing Scenes of terror ; tree-tops reeling Startle song-birds mute appealing, And the wild beasts skulking, stealing To their caverns, crazed from feeling

BIR TH— YO UTH—MA RRIA GE.

Their hot life-blood fast congealing.

Over all the scene appalling, Giant trees are swaying, falling, Crashing one upon another, Calling loud for help from brother.

See the mighty billows heaving, Mountain-top the black sky cleaving, Forest mourning its bereaving, Bending low, the blast receiving.

Now the foaming sea is toiling Through the forest, seething, boiling, Rolling inland toward the mountain, At its foot-hills moaning, sobbing, While the mountain's heart is throbbing, As he speaks to his beloved :

" Hush, my dear one, why this sadness? Soon thine heart shall thrill with gladness ; Proud wilt thou be as his mother ; Proud shall I be as his father. Shouldst thou leave him on retiring, He will dwell within the forest. Thou wilt nurse him at the border Of the mystic forest yonder, While I guard his every footstep, From my lofty summit watching. When the sun shines on my forehead I will call to thee each morning, And together we will guard him, Night and day will we watch o'er him.

" Go, my love, to thine own chamber,

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Slow retiring through the forest, Leaving there our choicest treasure. See ! the storm is now fast breaking ; Soon thine heart will cease from aching."

Now the sea with sad awaking Leaves her lord, her heart nigh breaking, Backward through the forest making Slow retreat, yet still retreating. She is weary of repeating All her sorrows to the forest ; Rests she now a moment, halting, While the mountain, proud, exultant, In the presence of its loved one Murmurs soft while she is resting. Mighty monarchs of the forest Hover o'er with arms extended, Waiting for the sea's awaking.

Hail! all hail the forest singing, And the mountain echoes ringing Back across the sea are flinging Wildest music, gladness bringing, Filling all the air with music. Every note of sorrow silenced, Tree-tops whisper to each other, And they nod their glad approval, As they welcome their new brother.

Sing, O sing, ye wild-wood songsters ! See the sunlight glistening brightly On the forehead of the mountain ; See him smiling o'er the forest,

"ride aloft on topmost breakers.

BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

See him greeting his loved mistress. And the sea responsive, gladly Joins the chorus, singing madly, Mountain, sea, and forest voicing In a loud and wild rejoicing.

Thus was born this child of Nature, With the mountain for his father, And the sea his loving mother. Trees and rocks each call him brother, While the wild birds and the flowers And the nymphs in woodland bowers Each and all are his sweet sisters. Thus was born this child of Nature, Thus was born the wild Mo-he-gan, Thus was born the U-ri-on-tah.

Strong of limb and tall of stature Grew this youth, whose shoulders broadened While he trod his forest proudly. Fleet of foot he climbed the mountain, Chased the deer through cragged canon, Faced the panther single-handed, Tamed the wild beasts in the forest.

When his mother sea was raging He would plunge beneath her billows, Ride aloft on topmost breakers, Singing wild his wildest anthems.

Thus grew up this child of Nature, Thus grew up the brave Mo-he-gan, Thus grew up the U-ri-on-tah.

In the flush of early manhood,

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

In the spring-time in the forest, In the foot-hills near his father Builded he a costly wigwam ; Hung about in wild profusion Were the skins of bear and panther, On his couch the furs of otter.

At his wigwam stands the Chieftain Gazing down upon the forest, While beyond he sees his mother, Placid in the bright, warm sunshine, Wistful gazing on her offspring ; While around about his wigwam Song-birds trill their joyous music, Filling all the air with gladness.

Nymphs and fairies guard the wigwam, Guard the home of U-ri-on-tah.

Wild bees humming o'er the flowers, Water laughing in the brooklet, Eagles perched on lofty summit, Gazing down upon the Chieftain, Scream with joy and hail with pleasure Their loved brother U-ri-on-tah.

See ! he wears their own bright feathers In a circle round his forehead ; At his back his bow and quiver. Now he glances toward the summit, And he waves his hand above him, Smiles return to his dear eagles, Who in turn again are gladly Screaming forth their wildest rapture

SIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

From the peaks of Mon-to-we-se.

Now the mountain bathed in sunlight Gazes down on U-ri-on-tah, Gazes long upon his features :

" In thine heart, my Dusky Chieftain, Where I thought was naught but gladness I discover signs of sadness. Whence comes now this look of anguish ? Can it be that thou shouldst languish, O, my son, my U-ri-on-tah ? Banish thou thy thoughts of sorrow, Come and visit me to-morrow.

" See ! thy mother now is moaning, Watchful, anxious, yet condoning All thy faults, yes, every failing, While her sad heart is bewailing Lest some dreadful fate befall thee. Even now she seeks to call thee ; Banish all thy thoughts of sorrow, Come and visit me to-morrow."

Left alone is U-ri-on-tah, Standing still before his wigwam, With the silent evening coming As the wild bees cease from humming, While the pale moon, softly creeping Up from out the sea, is peeping. Silvery moon-glade track is gleaming, Over all the moon is beaming, Lighting up the mystic forest ; Casting shadows o'er the wigwam,

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Flooding now the lofty mountain, Sparkling o'er the sweet Co-i-o Of the brooklet, leaping, dancing, On its way to join the waters Of Quin-nip-i-ac the tranquil.

Now the nightingale is singing, Singing softly, gently swinging, In the topmost branches clinging, Pouring out his sweetest music In the ear of U-ri-on-tah.

But in silence sat the Chieftain, Low his head bent on his bosom, Closed his eyes, but not in slumber, Friends around him without number, Yet his heart was sad and weary, For his life was dull and dreary; Yet he knew naught of the longing In his heart, or thoughts that thronging Through his brain were aught but fleeting Shadows banished ere the greeting. He would rise up in the morning, Sorrows of the night then scorning, In the chase forget his sadness Ere it drive him on to madness.

Midnight now is fast advancing, Fleecy clouds like spirits dancing, High o'erhead the moon entrancing, And the twinkling stars enhancing All the beauty now surrounding U-ri-on-tah by his wigwam.

BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

Now uprose the silent Chieftain, And his eyes were red with weeping. Yet no longer silence keeping, Casts aside his feathery helmet, Casts aside his bow and quiver, Casts aside his graven gorgets, Bares his bosom to the night air, Mounts the rock-cliff near his wigwam, Groaning loud in mental anguish :

" Hear me, O thou Ha-wea-ne-o, Hear the wail of U-ri-on-tah ! What are all these earthly treasures, What are all these fleeting pleasures, While my soul is rent with anguish ? Day by day I faint and languish For a sharer of my wigwam.

" I am lonely beyond measure ; Canst thou send me some sweet treasure- One to whom 'twill be my pleasure To enslave myself forever ; One who born of sea and mountain Shall sit down by my own fountain, Answer back the song of wild birds With a voice both low and thrilling, Whose sweet notes the forest filling, All the livelong day thus singing, Gladness to my heart thus bringing, To the heart of U-ri-on-tah ? "

Now the moon is slowly sinking; To the westward o'er the canon

IQ

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Slow she sinks behind the sharp peaks Of the red cliffs overhanging High in air above the canon, Casting shadows down the chasm.

Darkness gathers o'er the forest, And the nightingale is silent While the dews are gently falling. Stillness reigns, save now the moaning Of the surf with stifled groaning On the beach beyond the forest.

Sobbing sea's sad, soulful sorrow, Wailing, woeful, wistful, waiting For a sign from her beloved, Standing still among the foot-hills, Moving not since first ascending On the rock-cliff near his wigwam.

Now his locks are wet with dew-fall ; In his eyes strange scenes seem shifting, Pictures of the forest gleam there.

Now the sea with billows tossing Floats beneath his dreamy eyelids. Deep and deeper glow the night-fires In his eyes now radiant, shining, For the spirit is entwining Happy thoughts around his heart-strings, Leads him gently to his wigwam, Speaking softly words of comfort To the heart of U-ri-on-tah :

" Close thine eyes, my Dusky Chieftain, Sweetly rest until the morning. 20

BIR TH— YO U TH—MA RRIA GE.

In the gray of early dawning, When the sun is struggling upward From its bed beneath the waters, When it first shall bathe the mountain With its golden streams of radiance, Hasten downward through the forest, Seek the blessing of thy mother, Plunge beneath her purple waters, Cleanse thyself from all defiling ; Then return and in thy wigwam Dress thyself in brightest colors, Paint thyself with choicest pigments, Round thy head bright feathers fasten, Down thy legs let spangles glisten ; Moccasins of finest buckskin Thou wilt need on this strange journey From thy skirts let fox-tails dangle, O'er thy shoulder hang thy quiver, On thy breast place sea-shell gorgets, In thy belt thy Tum-na-he-gan t And, the bow thy left hand grasping, Stand thou forth, my Dusky Chieftain ; Then make haste to seek thy father Who is waiting for thy coming."

Thus the Chieftain sinks to slumber, With the spirit voice still murmuring In his ear to soothe the tumult Dithyrambic in his bosom.

Then at last the Chieftain dreameth ; Wondrous fancies now are flitting

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Through his brain in quick succession ; He is wandering over mountains Toward an object far beyond him, Which is drawing him still onward, Yet eludes his every effort To embrace and hold beside him. Thus the night wore on till morning Dawned upon the restive Chieftain.

Now the sun is climbing upward, Tipping all the hills in crimson, Smiling o'er the dark-green forest, Drying up the dews of evening, Flooding all the glorious landscape, While the purple clouds of morning Cast their shadows on the waters, Which are blue, or green, or purple As the light may fall upon them. Thus the ever-changing ocean. Here the sea-gulls skim the surface, Whirl and turn and greet each other With a wild, uncanny screaming; There the huge and clumsy porpoise Raise their brown and dusky bodies Up from out the world of waters, Then as quickly plunge beneath them, Rising, plunging, always moving, Till at last they glide unnoticed Far beyond the dark horizon, Where the wild storm-petrel lingers.

" Where is now the U-ri-on-tah?''

BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

Birds, and trees, and rocks are asking. They have missed him from his wigwam. Glancing quickly toward the mountain, They behold the Dusky Chieftain Hastening upward near the cloud-line, Fleet of foot still pressing onward, Till at last fast disappearing 'Mong the clouds the brave, unfearing U-ri-on-tah presses upward.

Above the clouds the rock-ribbed mountain, Cold, calm, cliff-crowned, cragged, capping, Glows in sunlight bright and glorious. Spires and peaks here pointing upward, Radiant in the dazzling sunlight, Pierce the sky beyond the vision. 'Mid the cliffs the U-ri-on-tah Calls aloud to his dear father :

"Thou didst ask me to come hither; I am come upon the mountain. If my visit is not timely I will turn and seek my wigwam."

Soft and low the father speaketh : "Welcome thou, my U-ri-on-tah, Bathe thy feet in this clear fountain, Rest awhile, sit thou and listen, For thy coming is most timely.

"Turn thine eyes upon the westward, Let thy gaze be long and steadfast 'Mid the peaks on distant mountains. Far away and yet still farther,

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

'Gainst the sky's remotest border, Shining in the sun like silver, Grandly stands my mountain brother. 'Tis a land of many wonders ; Shade thine eyes and gaze steadfastly, Then wilt thou behold more clearly That for which thy heart is longing."

Rises now the U-ri-on-tah, Shading well his eyes from sunlight ; Like a statue stands he gazing Over miles of lesser mountains To the tall and lofty monarch Whom the father called his brother; And at last his eyes were fastened On a* gently moving being. Slow it climbs a mountain pathway, Halting here among the flowers Growing wild along its borders. Bending low, it plucks a flower ; Rising then and gazing eastward Holds aloft the single blossom.

Now transfixed is U-ri-on-tah, For the being casts the flower Toward the pale and breathless Chieftain.

Wildly now the wistful Warrior Waves his hand, still anxious, watching, While the being on the mountain Waves its hand in recognition.

Rapturous joy now fills the bosom Of the Dusky U-ri-on-tah.

BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

Standing thus, he calls his father:

" What is that I am beholding On the side of yonder mountain? Surely it must be a spirit, Spirit of the wondrous mountain, Yet it answers to my signal, And my heart is beating wildly. Canst thou tell me, O my father, Tell me, is it not a spirit? See ! its hand is gently waving, And my heart is madly craving To be near this wondrous creature."

Now the loving father speaketh Gently to the Dusky Chieftain :

" Calm thine heart, my U-ri-on-tah, While I tell thee why I called thee Thus to visit me this morning.

" Back, behind yon lofty mountain Dwells a noble tribe of red-men ; They are counted by the thousands, They are brave, and proud, and haughty. Far beyond this tribe of red-men Dwells the wicked, crafty pale-face Who make war upon the red-men.

" This young creature 'mid the flowers Is the daughter of yon mountain ; She is called an Indian Princess ; I have brought thee forth to seek her, Now prepare to make the journey.

"Thou wilt meet with many dangers

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Climbing o'er those rugged mountains Lying in the path before thee, And through many tangled forests Must thou wander on this journey. Through the deep and narrow canons Thou shalt struggle, tired and lonely, Wild beasts will beset thy pathway, Yet thy heart will never falter ; Night and day pursue thy journey.

"When thou comest to the mountain And art climbing up the foot-hills, Thou wilt see the Indian Princess Far above among the flowers, Waiting there to greet thy coming. Win the heart of this fair maiden, And returning bring her with thee. I will greet thee on returning, Fare thee well, my U-ri-on-tah ! "

With a heart of joy the Chieftain Bounds away with speed of wild deer, Plunging headlong down the mountain, Rushing wild through mighty chasms, Dashing through the tangled forests, Leaping over mountain torrents, Pressing onward, ever westward Toward the sun, now slow descending.

And as darkness gathered round him, Far away his mountain father, Far away the sea, his mother, Far away the Indian maiden. 26

BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

Now the half-moon, softly shining, Cheers the Chieftain on his journey, Till at last it sank to slumber Far beyond the rugged mountains, Which were dark and faintly outlined On the dim and strange horizon.

Darker grew the gloomy forest, Yet he presses ever westward ; And his limbs knew naught of tiring, Stopping not for meat or water, Ever onward toward the Princess.

Through the night the U-ri-on-tah Clambered over rocks and hill-tops, Climbing now some lonely mountain, Dashing through some cragged chasm, Scaling peaks which rose before him, Winding round some cliff o'erhanging, Through the haunts of panther creeping, Ever onward, never sleeping. By the stars his course is guided And his courage never falters, Though the wolves afar are howling And the panthers, stealthy prowling, Now beset his every footstep.

Serpents in his path are coiling, Slowly winding 'mong tfie branches Overhead, and hanging downward, Hissing loud their angry warning. In the deep and tangled forest, Thus beset was U-ri-on-tah. 27

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Danger dire doth draw despoiling Demons from the noisome caverns ; Evil spirits join the serpents; Vanish vicious, varan vampires, Then return in fourfold numbers, Crowd around the Dusky Chieftain, While the serpents now are twining Round his limbs and close enfolding Panting, dauntless U-ri-on-tah.

Panthers screaming in the branches, Demons howling through the forest, Monsters pressing close about him, Gaining courage by their numbers, All conspire to stay the Chieftain On his journey through the forest.

Closer still the serpents coiling, Closer draw the forest demons, While from overhanging branches Lo ! the panthers spring upon him.

Thus at last the U-ri-on-tah, Wearied with his hours of travel, Finds himself now slowly sinking; Still his courage never falters, Even though borne down by numbers, With his bright blade cleaves about him, With his right arm hews a pathway With his deadly Tum-na-he-gan, Till at last to earth he sinketh, Overborne by myriad monsters. Reptiles, hissing, coil more tightly

BIR TH— YO UTH—MA RRIA GE.

Round his breast to still his breathing,

Now the U-ri-on-tah prayeth : " Fairy maiden on the mountain, Canst thou know the bitter anguish Of thy true-heart in the forest ? I am not afraid to perish, Yet how fondly did I cherish Thoughts of greeting thee to-morrow. Now, alas ! the U-ri-on-tah Dieth in the gloomy forest. Farewell thou, my fairy Princess, Farewell thou, my mother ocean, Farewell thou, my mountain father ! Our Great Spirit now will take me To his home beyond the river. Once again farewell, my Princess! "

Far above, in topmost branches Of the lofty forest monarchs, Sits a fairy, swinging softly ; Now she glides to lower branches, While her wings are wide extended, And, with dark eyes looking downward On the mass of surging monsters And the fiery, writhing serpents, Softly speaks in gentle whispers :

" Flee away, ye hideous creatures, Flee away to thy dark caverns."

Serpents hear and, turning, listen, And their heads are raised in wonder, While the fairy bids them vanish ;

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

They release their tightened coiling, Then they glide away in silence.

Faintly now the U-ri-on-tah Hears the fairy softly calling, Slowly raising his tired eyelids, Gazes long upon the vision ; Rising now, with strength returning, On his feet he standeth upright, Gazing steadfast on the vision. Still his tongue refused to utter Thanks for service sweetly rendered.

Now the fairy, drawing nearer, Stands beside him in the pathway, And she smiles upon the Chieftain.

Never had he seen such beauty, And his soul was filled with rapture. Fain would he his thanks now utter, Yet his tongue was dumb with wonder. With their eyes fixed on each other Gazed they steadfast in the starlight.

Then the fairy softly murmurs : "Tell me now, my haughty Chieftain, How thou comest, whence thy going, What should cause the undertaking Of this journey fraught with dangers. Drink the nectar from this leaf-cup ; It will help thee find thy language."

Now the thirsty U-ri-on-tah Took the leaf-cup from the fairy, Drank the life-restoring nectar,

BIR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

Then at length his tongue was loosened, And he told the lovely vision Of his home, his mountain father, Of his wigwam in the foot-hills, Of his life so lone and dreary, Of his seeking for a sharer Of his home, and of his vision *

Of the maiden on the mountain, Of his journey through the forest On his way to win the Princess ; How the beasts and serpents gathered Round his pathway in the darkness. Now he thanked the fairy creature Who had saved his life from danger ; Would she now accept his homage, And he bowed his head before her. Speaking low, he still addressed her:

"I would fain pursue my journey Toward the mountain where the Princess Dwells among the birds and flowers. I will tell her I have met thee, Tell her how my life was rescued From the wild beasts in the forest, And from henceforth I will bless thee. I will teach my children's children All the story of the fairy, How she saved me in the forest. Now I go upon my journey ; Wilt thou cheer me on departing?"

Now the elfin's lips are parted,

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Low and sweet she whispers sadly :

" Listen now, my haughty Chieftain ; It is long before the morning, And I go away beyond thee ; Then alone thy path thou treadest, Wild beasts then will soon beset thee, Serpents will again entwine thee. Turn, I pray, thou Dusky Chieftain, Turn thy footsteps toward thy father, Hasten homeward, leave behind thee All thy wild love for the maiden On the mountain 'mid the flowers. When thou comest not to-morrow She will soon forget thou livest, And will signal to another.

" Maids are fickle, my dear Chieftain, Calm thy heart, repress thy longing, Seek thy home and cease thy pining 'Mong the trees and rocks and flowers. Seek for comfort in thy wigwam, Go at once ere I shall leave thee To the wild beasts of the forest, And when they shall draw about thee I will come not to thy rescue.

" Hasten now, lest thou shalt perish — Turn, I pray thee, look not backward, And when thou shalt reach thy wigwam I will hasten there to greet thee ; I will dwell among the branches Hanging o'er thy princely wigwam ;

BJR TH— YO UTH—MARRIA GE.

Go at once, my Dusky Chieftain."

Now the U-ri-on-tah gazes Calmly on the fairy creature, Till at last his speech returneth :

" Thou hast saved my life, sweet elfin, And I fain would meet thy wishes, Yet will I press ever onward, Upward where the Indian Princess Waits my coming on the morrow. Though the wild beasts may beset me, Though the serpents shall entwine me, Naught of these one moment stays me, For I love the Indian maiden And I cannot live without her.

" On the morrow when I greet her Should I fail to win her favor, Then my life is not worth living, And I then will seek this forest. I will welcome all the serpents And the monsters of the caverns To partake of my dead body.

" But to turn back to my wigwam Ere I meet the Indian Princess, Never will I heed thy warning. Though I perish in the forest On the instant of thy leaving, I will turn not from my purpose." Speaking thus, the Dusky Chieftain, Turning from the fairy vision, Strode away adown the forest.

THE SONG OF U-RI-ON-TAH.

Once he heard the elfin calling, Uttering softly words of warning ; Then away sped U-ri-on-tah On the wings of lightning speeding. Fleet of foot the Dusky Chieftain Through the forest bravely plungeth, Till the gray of early morning Found him climbing up the foot-hills Of the mountain where the maiden Stood when she had sent him greeting.

Now the sun bursts forth in splendor, Lighting up the wondrous mountain, And the eager U-ri-on-tah Struggles upward in the morning, Gazing steadfast far above him, Far above among the flowers. Now, behold ! he sees the maiden And his heart beats fast and faster, As she waves her arms above her, Casting flowers adown the pathway, Down the path toward U-ri-on-tah. O the rapture of the moment, O the joy his heart now filling ! Every fiber now is thrilling As he leaps with giant vigor Over rocks and mountain torrents, Ever climbing, ever upward, Till at last he stands before her.

Now the speech of U-ri-on-tah Cometh not, for here before him

BIR TH— YO UTH—MARR1A GE.

Stands the maiden in her beauty,

And the heart of U-ri-on-tah

Told him more than he could utter.

Not in all his wildest longings Had he even faintly pictured Such a face ; 'twas not of mortals, And her form was born of heaven And her eyes were soft and lustrous.