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

THE AFTER-DAYS. 125
When from the Council Fire returned,
He rested on his couch and mat,
The cheerful blaze more brightly burned ;
When by its kindling flame he sat,
Or shone the robe so newly wrought
On Hayo-wont-ha's manly breast,
Like that the bridal morning brought
The joy the wifely heart confessed.
And more the mother's breast would own
The mother's joy, nor less delight
The little maid, when gaily shone
Her fawn-skin kirtle, snowy-white ;
And day by day, in rarer grace
The lithesome form did heighten more ;
Nor less the soul that lit the face
Grew,
curious of all forest-lore.
To charm the twilight, waiting lone,
She from the wigwam's
fables old
Told of the deeds in days unknown,
Or childhood's fairy stories told :
Of Mana-bo-zho he that set
His legs to roast the Kee-wau-nee ;
Whence came the willows red, that yet
Are gory-red
as you can see.