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

112 THE LEAGUE OF THE IROQUOIS.
While she, the maiden, sat apart
Content to see the hour prolong,
Sat softly crooning to her heart
Some stave of love-awakened song.
And so the darkness more and more
To silence fell, till all was still,
Save waves low-lapsing on the shore
And Wa-won-ais-se's plainting shrill.
But when the night was overpassed.
When rested of his weariness,
And he again had broke his fast,
As he would all his heart confess,
From out his Chee-maun forth he bore
And wide the costly treasures spread,
Such as might friendship heighten inor.
And Hayo-went-ha, speaking, said :
"As is our people's custom, so
I bring you gifts ;
such gifts as be
Not all unworthy ; yet I know
What in return I ask of thee
The richest boon can never buy ;
In more than friendly bond allied,
I seek in these love's dearer tie
I seek, this maiden for my bride."