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

XII
THE COUNCIL.
As if too much might bliss endear
This all too-quickly passing life,
Erelong to Hayo-went-ha's ear
Came rumors of War's ruthless strife ;
The fell Algonquin warriors fierce
With war-ax red and angry bow
Had come ;
their savage yells did pierce
The very home of Manito.
And lo !
afar the lurid streaks
From flaming wigwams lighted past ;
While Kax-aa's cries and Yong-we's shrieks
Dread mingled with the awful blast.
A sorrow wail that, east or west,
Or north or south, still onward swept,
And kindled in each dusky breast
The fiery soul that long had slept.