The league of the Iroquois and other legends : from the Indian muse

VIII
THE WOOING.
MOKE beauteous in the dawning light
Shone Hayo-went-ha's prophet-face,
As smile of Oway-neo bright
Had lit anew each manly grace :
His brow of worthier purpose showed,
His eye of feeling's kindling ray ;
His very step, as forth he strode,
Was lighter than of yesterday.
His every care, his every thought,
As in the greatening morn he stood,
Was with Nyah-tah-wanta fraught,
The flower of forest-maidenhood.
How much may yearning wish impart
Of hopes that after-harvests glean ;
And much I trow his manly heart
Did to that gentle damsel lean.