Osseo, the spectre chieftain : a poem

Front matter

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Preface

I offer this, my first endeavor as an author, to the public, hoping it may be received with favor; and will be content if I receive from my friends a kind thought in return for the many weary days and dreary nights I have spent trying to consummate this my bloodless ambition.

If I can be permitted to occupy the most secluded niche in the Temple of Calliope, and add but a single jewel to the casket of American Poetry, I will have gained the highest wish of my most ideal dreams. I entreat the favor of my many friends and fellowsoldiers. I have a hope ; — must it be a hope of despair ? I wait the revelations of the mysterious future.

CANTO FIRST O'ER green hills, and rugged mountains

Lakes, rivers, and crystal fountains ;

O'er forests, magnificently grand,

O'er rocks and silvery strand.

The sun sheds his last faint ray

In beauty on the fading day.

Nature was in the spring of lovehness ;

Heaven's most ideal impress

O'er forest, glen, and rushing river ;

The winds sigh, and leaves quiver,

Rivulets murmur, birds wildly sing

While sporting gaily on the wing ;

Rivers, swiftly rushing, wildly roar, Breaking their power along the shore ; From o'er hanging cliffs vines 're pending. Swinging, swinging, swaying, ne'er ending Keeping time with passing winds ; The creeping, modest myrtle binds Alike fair violets, and sturdy oak ; Mosses, diversified with velvet cloak, Robe beautifully the stony brook-side ; On the wavelets^ water-lilies ride ; The golden willows gently divide, With drooping branches, the passing tide ; Fishes, silver-scaled, dart and play, Wild and gay, thro' the watery way ; Wild forests, and towering mountains near. In deep shadow^s paint perfect here Their forms in mirror'd graces, Deranged when a wind gently traces Paths across the placid lake, When shimmering wavelets break

In paths a course from shore to shore. The sun, now sinking lower, lower, Break? his broad sheets of light On the rugged mountain's hight, Casting shatter'd, shimmering beams O'er the lake, like lightning gleams, Or clouds upon a burnish'd mirror ; Slowly creeping, nearer, nearer To a brilliant thread of hght ; Fading in the gloom of night Now deeply veiling the forest scene. One by one the twinkling stars convene In countless millions 'long the sky ; With their brilliant lights defy The dread, dismal, fearful, ghost Of Pluto, and his gloomy host ; All before fair Urania swiftly fade. While her starry jewels reflecting laid Glittering on the lake, or on rivulet. Like brilliants on a coronet.

Flushing the East with streaming light. Looms the round, red moon in sight : Illumes the heavens first, and now Paints the snowy mountain's brow ; Now tips the forest's lofty pines, Then gently, slowly, softly twines O'er and 'round woodland and hill ; Mirror'd on the lake, the river, and the ril Lit by her -glittering, glorious beams. Like purest liquid silver gleams.

Noiselessly now and then would sweep The bosom of the slumbering deep A vernal zephyr's balmy sigh, Crossing where the moonbeams lie ; The waves upon the surface of the lake In a thousand wavelets break, Glittering, shimmering, wildly play In paths across the watery way ; Dazzling and charming the eye, But a moment stay, passing in a sigh.

THE SEPARATIUX. <

The moon o'er the bosom of Lake Pepin threw Her mellow light, o'er eternal l>]ue ; The beams of light now gently kiss Each other in pure, ecstatic bliss: All nature, wrapt in silence, seeuis Lost in Heaven's fairest dreams; Naught disturbs the meditation still, But the plaintive voice of the w hippo wil.

Beneath a grand, towering oak. That by its size of centuries spoke. Spreading its leafy branches wide. The lake, and rivulet, on either side, Stood an Indian's athletic form : 'Gainst the tree rest'd one arm. The other held a bow before his In-east ; A towering plume was in his crest — A battle trophy for deeds of valor done, Proudest heritage of a forest son . There closely clasp'd his waist around A wampum belt, neatly bound

With beads of ev'rj form and shade, Supporting in sheath a glittering blade.

On the lake, where waves slumbering lay, Rest'd his eyes, where moonbeams play ; To his gloomy soul nature's concord. With all its perfect beauty, seem'd discord : Earth's heavenly loveliness could not impart Balm to his wild, tempestuous heart, Nor alleviate the restless, conscious brain, Elating, or rending the heart atwain.

While zephyrs trace the surface of the lake. While its glassy smoothness in wavelets break, He gazed in wishfulness intent, 'Till its whispering breath was spent. The brilliant, shimmering wavelets still'd ; Forebodings his wishful breast then fill'd For a hght bark that would an effort make To cross alone the slumbering lake ; Peril'd at the heart's command, Directed by a fair, experient hand.

While gazing o'er the waters, broad and blue, The silvery moonbeams stole through. Falling full upon the warrior's face, So bright you might easily trace Each passion 'cross his clouded brow ; The classic lips, close compress'd, now Move ; from the heart wells up a sigh ; While concentrated rays from his eye Flash back reflect'd moonlight, Like stars on waves at midnight.

On the winds a sound the silence broke ; Quick, as the sound, from meditation woke The warrior ; one hand upon his bow was laid, The other grasp'd the glittering blade — He waits, intent, the intruder to appear: Lightly from the brake leaps a deer, Swiftly bounding to the water's brink, Bends its graceful neck to drink ; As quickly bent, as quickly rais'd, Out on the waters wildly gazed ;

Snuff 'cl the air, shook its head,

A moment gazed, then quickly fled.

The warrior's attention direct'd to the deer. Did not witness a light canoe appear Tn the distance on the moonlit lake. With oar so lightly plied as scarce to break A wave, while passing swiftly o'er From that unto the other shore.

Near where waters ripple on the strand The maiden dropp'd her oar, raised a hand. And in notes -oft and sweet, yet shrill, Imitated the voice of the whippowil — Once, twice, tlirice — echoing, died away. From the shore came an answering lay — The maiden a^rain regained her oar, Directing her canoe toward the shore.

The warrior, still conceal'd 'neath the shade. Gazed, rapture-bound, upon the forest maid. As the bark struck the rock-bound shore, Where wavelet'^ break, murmur and roar.

Tlie maiden, springing liglitlj to land, Drew her bark far on tlie strand.

While she stood, the lovely scene survey'd, The mellow moonbeams o'er her play'd, And in her eyes met a sister ray, I>right as stars in the ethereal way ; Her hair, loose o'er her shoulders hung, Aurora's breath, stealing there among, Fann'd it out on the evenins: air. Reflecting brilliant colors, rare As burnislvd ebony's reflect'd light, Or phosphorus waves on a stormy night.

Not knowing of her coming, had he been there And seen her alight as tho' from air. And of approach no signs been given, lIcM have thought an angel from Heaven Descendinoj to add to nature celestial litrht — A goddess given to rule the night.

The scene survey'd, she once again Took up the soft and thrilling strain;

Then gracefully stood, in list'ning attitudt Trying to penetrate the forest sohtude.

The warrior, with a single bound, At her very side struck the ground, Like a mystic spirit from on high. The maiden utters faint a cry — Vanishing in words and tears ; Braved are all the dangers; her fears And doubts all now are o'er, She's with her lover — cares no more.

Close to his breast the warrior press'd The maiden ; her fair cheeks caress'd. Her with him the world possess' d^ — He with her the earth was bless' d.

The warrior first the silence broke ; In low, trembling accents spoke : " You know not why I meet thee here — Startle not, tremble not, nor fear. That sound 's but waters falHng ; That but the. night-hawk calling —

Calling for the lost, l.ong and late, With heart lone and desolate.

'^ When the moon rose I was here, Waiting in high hope and fear, Thinking every moment thy canoe On the lake would loom in view. Hours pass'd — impatient grew my heart, Fearing that I must at last depart Ere I could say to thee a kind farewell ; Yet Monedo o'er the lake guarded well. Giving me this last blessing ere I roam Far away from friends and home.

" Mv mind reasoned thou deem'd best To lull thy heart in dreamy rest Than brave the v^aters broad and deep — Break a promise sooner than a sleep. While meditating thus, came in view Out on the lake thy swift canoe."

'' What ! have I rightly heard ! Thou, Osseo, doubt Winona's word ?

14 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CIIIEFTAIX.

Dost thou not know, tho' waves gave birth To all the shades that haunt the earth — Tho' Monedo the tempest-waves controird, As rough, and high, as mountains roll'd, Yet would I have gained this shore, Or 'neath them sank to rise no more? "

" Well, brave, and noblj spoken ; Thy words, thy actions, well betoken Thee well worthy an equal mate For a warrior, bravest of the great ; His fairest Totem, a chieftain's pride Could condescend to call thee bride.

*'What right have I, poor in fame, Springing from a race without a name. To think to claim thy fair hand, When woos the highest of our band. Ever unreal, your union with me, As the sky should kiss the sea."

"Osseo, art thou mad, or dost rave in sleep Hast secrets in thy breast, why keep

THE SEPARATION.

Them from Winona? Let me equal share ; Let me Gitche Manito entreat in prayer To dispel the evil spirit that doth hover 'Round the pathway of my lover?''

" Winona, we meet to say farewell — Hark I hark ! to that echoing knell I Baim-wa-wa now directs the way — Directs me, ere the dawning day. To be with Shawanda-see, toward the sea — • To the earth's far distant boimdarv, When, all my earthly sins confess'd, I go unto the Island of the Bless *d.

" 'Tis true, the hour has come at last — All momentary pangs have pass'd. Ivightly thinkest thou : I madly rave ; On my bosom is an ocean wave — Wild, bleak winds thereon roaming, Highly dash'd, eternal foaming — Passions may curse, yet never kill, Past is the storm — my bosom 's still.

Passions with the brave are weak, Reason rules and bids me speak; Intently hsten and you shall know And judge my deep, my shameful woe:

''Well remeraber'd the time, the place, When first we met, face to face, In the forest; 'tis e'er a sacred spot, Ne'er on earth by us to be forgot. How oft alone we've wander'd there, Surrounding nature bright and fair. While tlie pale moon, with soft caressing, Shower'd round her brilliant blessing. 'Twas as bright, as calm a night as this; Seem'd Heaven join'd our hearts in bliss. The bright ho})es of that night have past — First pure happiness — I fear the last !

'^ Ere we separated at the moon's decline We spoke of love — you promised to be mine, With one sweet kiss we separated. My heart trembled with hopes elated.

I would before stern Nootimes stand, Offering my services in treaty for thy band. I ponder'd well; the morrow must bring Winter's drear blast or eternal spring.

'' I closed my eyes and gently slumber'd ; Trials and sorrows slowly number'd, Deranged and greatly defaced them, Then one by one erased them.

" I gently slept till golden light Erased the deep, dark shades of night. When the sun's broad crimsoned bar Had dimm'd the fading morning star, [ left my lodge alone to wander Where, pensive, oft I walk and ponder. On a path in the forest's recess stray'd. Near where a rivulet murmuring play'd. Nature's loveliness everything impress'd. Except the wild heart within my breast.

•' I returned ; sat by the lake, the village near. And to me came, while musing here,

Thy father, Kootimcs, in company "With the warriors, Oneep, Nootae, Konkontu, the Chieftain's proud son, "With your brave brotlier, Quanon.

''As they approach'd I could trace Dark frowns upon thy father's face. Oft on the clouds I've traced a storm, Yet ne'er before in human form Saw passions rend a human frame. Flash'd from his eyes an angry flame ; From "neath brows crouching, lower'd, Flashing lightnings swiftly puur'd !

'' ' Where hast thou been ? ' he haughtily spoke. The silent forest with echoes 'woke. ' Speak ! quick ! I v^'ish to know W'here lurlis thy visionary foe '■ '

" All ! Nootimes, brave and bold, To thee willingly, most willingh^, told : For deer I can but hunt the woods ; For fish I must haunt the Hoods.

•^ ' Where, last night, at midnight hour, Didst hunt so late; and in a bower, And that bower in yonder dell? Speak! the secret you know well.'

" Smothering the passions that raged Within my breast, my courage gaged, I gently asked: "What matters it to thee At what hour I wander, or where I be ; Where e're I go; a cause I cannot see, Why I should make defense to thee ? "

" ' It does, proud Osseo ; you shall know To your eternal grief and woe. Traitor, more than the moon's pale hght Saw and heard thy vow last night ! That vow on earth you ne'er shall keep. Not while a wave rolls on yon deep ! Yes, villain ! you defied me ; didst dare To steal a meeting with Winona there ! 'Twas your first, I've sworn your last. While absent, the Council met ; pass'd

20 OSSEOj THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN.

A decree forbidding you protection here. Our highest law directs we should fear A traitor — greatest enemy of a tribe ; They sell their heritage for paltry bribe. I was charged to deliver their decision, That you depart the camp ; nor derision Offer to a single warrior ere you start. An hour 's given, in which you must depart. Here are the honor'd witnesses against you : The braves, Oneep, Quanon, and Konkontu. Your arms, and lodge, are given to another — A more brave and trusty brother. Here I warn you never, never more To cross the portals of the door.'

" Revengeful blood was in my brain ! He was thy father, or blood had dyed the plain- He should have died my mortal foe, Tho' Osseo fell by the second blow. Turning on my heel with deep disdain I left them ne'er to return again.

Hopes have fled, all visions past,

This sad meeting may be our last;

The star of my destiny is fast growing dim,

The cup of my sorrow is full to the brim.

" I have no home; I have no name ; None know from whence I came ; Wandering with the bison round me, 'Mid the wilds your nation found me ; Far many leagues from Westward brought — With them I hunt'd, with them fought. My adoption 's broken by your laws, I am banish'd, and without a cause. On the morrow I take the Westward trail, Guided by yon distant, lone, pale Star, Osseo, which goes before me. Great Spirit ! waft me to the distant sea, Make me a Chieftain of fame and glory ! When I '11 come back and take thee. With my brave, strong, mystic legions, And bear you to the Spirit Regions.

There we '11 live and love fore'er more. With angels on the Spirit Shore/'

" 0, speak not thus, it cannot be ! Go not from me, do not leave me ; Do not delay, let us flee ere too late, Leave me not, Osseo, thus desolate ! Let us find a happy home, far, far To Westward, 'neath yon glitteriog star ; Where, hid from sight, in a secret dell, Fore'er in lone silence we can dwell, Surrounded by birds ne'er ceasing to sing, 'Mid nature ruled by eternal spring. If sadness on thy heart should la}^ I '11 sing to drive the spell away ; With roses, and laurel from the bough, With wreaths I '11 crown my warrior's brow Be thy free, loved, happiest bride, Climb the rugged mountain's side. With thee wander thro' the verdant vale. And o'er the lake by moonlight sail.

Hasten! hasten! brave, loved Osseo, Swifter fleeing than pursue the foe!"

Long and close the warrior prest The dreaming maiden to his breast. " We must part ; Osseo has spoken ! Tho' separated, our vow 's not broken ; Tho' poor, and nameless, I have a pride — I ask not that you should confide Your fair form and happiness To Osseo, the wanderer, the homeless. We must separate ; night is fleeing fast, Midnight hour long since has pass'd ; I fear our meeting moy be known, And you left to bear the blame alone. Farewell ! this meeting may be our last, Hence a year you will forget the past: When I have gone you will soon forget, Even ere this moon has pass'd, we ever met. Yet Osseo, the wanderer, the outcast. Will remember thee unto the last."

" Oh ! is it thus that we must part, Thus crush'd the idols of my heart ! Father ! 0, my father ! thou hast done it all ! Drugg'd sweetest happiness deep with gall ! Here on my knees I solemnly swear a vow — Great Spirit ! record in memory now : All powers of earth can not force or entreat Me, long as my heart in life doth beat, To break the solemn vow I 've made Osseo here 'neath the forest shade.

" Osseo, adieu ! " — " Winona, farewell 1 " — Whisper'd the winds an echoing knell. One long kiss, one more embrace. Tears streamed o'er the maiden's face. Thus they loved, and thus they part'd, The outcast, and the broken-hearted.

She gain'd her boat, on Osseo gazed once more, Then shoved her light bark from the shore. Scarce disturb'd the wavelets in their sleep, While she swiftly sped out on the deep.

Osseo mark'd how swift she sped, Till in treach'rous gloom she fled ; Turn'd awaj, took a path that led Thro' the forest dark and dread. Out of the bright moonlight Soon was lost from sight

Canto Second The Boat Race

'T was dawn of morning ; the first raj Of the Autumn's sun tinged the starry way ; Arenas, star of beauty, fading from sight, Dimm'd by flames of crimsoned light, Mirrored with splendors brilliant ; Where imagination, wandering intent, Sees golden lands with beauty radiant ; On which the Indians gaze, and invent Their histories' mysterious legends. Making clouds the Spirit Regions.

Clouds, gold and silver paint'd, hung The mountains' rugged crags among ;

THE COAT-RACE. 27

Fann'd by the breeze, shimmering roH'cl, Seeming to the eye broad seas of gold. Gazing entranced, one would wish to flee, And bathe within the bright, azure sea.

From mountain's summit down the side. The sun's refulgent beams divide ; Giving ev'ry nook and vale a light, Dispelling the deep gloom of night.

Fair-plumed birds from slumber woke, And musing, silent forest broke With many a long and varied strain. Repeated o'er and o'er again.

Near Lake Pepin, 'mid scenes diversified, Spread along the shore, smooth and wide, A valley extends, picturesque and fair, By nature made a perfect garden there ; Guarded from aggressive foes on either side, Here rugged cliffs, there waters, deep and wide.

In this fair valley an Indian village stood. Beside the lake, surrounded by the wood.

Here the tribe of Agriscoe fiourislr d, Where peaceful arts were loved and nourish'd. Thej went to war to defend, not aggress Upon their neighbors, nor to oppress.

Maidens gaily sport upon the grass, Gaudy painted warriors swiftly pass Thro' the village, conversing together. Each chieftain mark'd by an eagle feather.

Old Nootimes at his door v^as pondering, Back on the Past his memory wandering, When, in his days of youthful might, He led the braves in chase and fight. His fearless son now takes his place. First on the trail, first in the chase. The fair Winona was at his side, Of all to him the greatest pride. Musing sad with downcast look. She noticed not the pride he took. Grazing on his daughter, the most fair, He carress'd her silky, raven hair.

'^ Come, let those eyes flash on me As of yore, in days of bright memory ; Let those sweet, classic lips beguile My soul with at least a single smile ; Come, sing with pathos those heavenly lays Your mother taught in childhood days,

" Winona, why so gloomy here of late, — Weary as a dove without a mate ? Ever calling, ever sighing, ever w^eeping, Never gay, never happy, never sleeping. Put off this sadness, 't is madness vain ; Come, let me see the smile again ; Raise those silken lashes drooping o'er Those eyes ; let me feel their power once more. This festal day I would have thee appear Most beautiful. — What ! from thee a tear ? What meaning in a change so great ? You count future happiness at such rate. By these tears there is a secret in thy heart. If on earth 't is in my power to impart

Relief, by word or deed, it shall be done, — Whate'er on earth it be, — excepting one."

" Mj father, didst thou ever love ? — Feel flames descendino; from above ? Mystically entranced, from that hour A willing slave, in the wooer's power ? Earth was fairer, the sky was brighten'd, Hope was ecstacy, sorrows lighten'd.

" Did cruel, unrelenting, causeless fate, Thy beloved and thee e'er separate ? By men of earth was cause e'er given. Conflicting with the laws of Heaven ? My heart cannot be joyous, cannot be free. While strongly bound in greatest slavery.

" Bare with me ; listen, I will tell thee : — When the brave warriors pass before me, Osseo 's not there ; he wanders an outcast. I cannot forget, when anguish had past. His last wild, sad, agonizing look. Even now I hear the sio-h that shook

TEE BOAT-RACE. 31

His form, — see his eyes, bedew'd with tears, — Eack'd by deep anguish, not by fears."

" Silence, Winona ! Speak not thus to me I Far better brave the madness of the sea. Utter not again that villain's name ! Why to me lay all the nation's blame ? He was brave, I '11 honestly admit ; Yet still he's not, nor ne'er was, fit Companion for a chieftain's daughter. What could he have ever brought her But misery and eternal shame ? — Degrading and disgracing her name. I would rather know thee dead Than, in derision, hear it said The daughter of Nootimes is united, — Or that vows are mutually plighted, — To Osseo, the last convicted traitor. No earthly curse could befall me greater. ,T would rack my soul with more shame Than at the stake consumed with flame.

His life 's now cursed, his heart now bleeds^ In payment for his own dark deeds.

" Bj all the powers below, by those above^ I will not sacrifice to your dreams of love. Now remember a lesson from the Past, — Speak of this no more — be this the last I Thy suitors are as pebbles on a strand ; The most noble are seeking for thy hand. Offers I ' ve had from the true and brave ; Refused 'til the last ; to him I gave My sanction. He is worthy of thy beauty. Listen, and know my order — your duty : To-day Konkontu will ask thy hand, — Think of your happiness — my command. Your brave brother has a deep-felt pride. His sister Konkontu' s accepted bride. How proud you must be in your victory. None of our Nation before deem'd worthy. Among hundreds you the chosen flower, To deck the future Chieftain's bower.

^'All I ask of thee is to endeavor To please tlij thrice accepted lover. The Council is called ; I go. Remember ! — As thy deeds, fair May or drear December ! "

He dons his plumes, his robes prepare, From fairest birds, and grizzled bear ; Hangs bow and quiver o'er his shoulder, Is more warlike, seems much bolder.

" Hear the call of the council drum ! Hasten ! we must go I come I come ! The Chieftain is ready to depart ; Cheer up, Winona, thy drooping heart ! "

From their lodges to the Council Fires, Hasten young warriors, with ancient sires. Painted grandly, and deck'd with plumage gay. Anticipating a glorious festal day. The matron, and the maiden fair, llobed tastefully, flowers in their hair. With gilded beads their dresses interlaid, Contrasting colors of every brilliant shade,

34 OSSEO, TEE SPECTRE CIIIEFTAme

Glittering in the fair morning light, Like caskets with purest jewels bright.

The drum now loudly sounds once more^ Turn'd are all eyes to the Council door. The Chieftain appears, Agriscoe, the brave^ He was princely robed, his import grave, Yet still loving his people the while, To each a kind word, for each a smile.

While his train was passing thro' the crowd, A united cheer, as long, as loud As distant thunder, rose and fell, Echoing away o'er hill and dell.

Konkontu was at the Chieftain's side, By all the warriors with envy eyed. Justly honor'd, thrice in bloody strife Peril'd his own to save Agriscoe's life.

Nootimes next pass'd in the train ; Proudly toss'd his nodding plume ; vain And most haughty was his bearing, Vaunting feats of fabulous daring.

Proud of Ills pure, illustrious name, By brave deeds worthy honor'd fame ; Known thro' ev'ry tribe, far and wide. As " Giant of Strength, " Prince of Pride."

Next in file, with greatest ease and grace. Each warrior took his appointed place ; And at their lauded Chieftain's order, With measured tread march'd to the border Of the placid lake, where the braves Launch their canoes upon the waves. Across the waters, deep and wide, Arranged in line, from side to side, A thousand warriors held their oars, While many friends watch'd by the shores.

Agriscoe spoke : — " Hear, ye worthy braves ! I now try your speed upon the waves. You have been well tried in the fight. We now will test your greatest might With fleet canoe and trusty oar. The first that gains yon distant shore, — 6

First that steps upon the silv'rj strand Beneath jon distant rugged highland, Shall receive this beautiful belt with praise, — Wrought by Winona, daughter of Nootimes. 'T is a gift the gods might covet. Hear ! Now mark me well : When I let From my hand this dark plume depart, The signal 's given, — you may start. Each then took up his trusty oar. Shoved his canoe out from shore ; Form'd in line from left to ri&'ht.

o

" Now, with all your strength and might, Ready ? ready all ? " Agriscoe said, — Taking the plumage from his head. '' Ready ! Ready ! Ready ! " answer'd all. " Then here I will let the signal fall."

The bosom of Lake Pepin flash'd By a thousand light paddles splash'd. A thousand canoes swiftly sped. Leaving white paths of foam outspread.

First in line the stalwart warriors race, While some gain, others loose a pace. They urge each other with loud cheers, Some fill'd with hopes, some then with fears. Quick as they lose^ or anxious gain. Now many are far to leeward lain. With shattered boat and broken oar. As one by one the race give o'er ; — While a few, more strong, far before. Yet struggle for the distant shore.

Konkontu's canoe is swiftest plied, Quanon's is next nearest at his side. Now far ahead they lead the race, Close side to side, and face to face. Ply their oars with quick and powerful skill. Direct toward a fair spot, where a rill, Murmuring, mingles with the lake. While its clear waters wildly break In wild cascades of silver spray, Down a dizzy, rugged, winding way.

Swift as arrows still tliey glide, Prow to prow, and side to side ; As quick, as strong as before, Stroke for stroke they ply the oar. To friends they are lost in silver spray. While from side to side their oars play. Wielded with all the grace and ease. As reeds shook by a passing breeze.

They now near the destined goal, Now more strong with anxious soul. Quanon, to gain a pace by single stroke. Trying all his power, his light paddle broke. With shame, disappointment and sighs. Leaves Konkontu to gain the prize.

Warriors following close in the wake. With disappointment saw the oar break. " Konkontu, winner with oar, bow, and lance, Must be the fav'rite son of Providence."

In the distance a war-whoop sounded ; From whence the voice, all seem'd confounded.

Quick as the sound from the other shore

A canoe, plied with glittering oar

By a Chieftain magnificently fair,

Pass'd them like a feather on the air ;

So swiftly sped they scarce could mark

The wat'ry path where touch'd his bark.