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

150 THE LEAGUE OF THE IROQUOIS.
Once more in Wolf-skin robe arrayed,
In snowy plume and eagle crest,
With mighty heart, its grief allayed
With all the greatness of the past
Again returned, calm as before
Stood OXGUE HOKWE'S noblest Chief,
The Council called ;
remembering more
His stricken People's greater grief.
His royal mantle, wove and wrought
With to-tems of his race and name,
That from his face a glory caught,
Shone like the Council-kindled flame ;
Where fierce the Tortoise, Wolf, and Bear
Did frown and glower, as in a cage
The living beasts were prisoned there,
And scarce restrained their fiery rage.
Again he strode with kingly tread,
Or, mid the braves that round him wait,
Nor token showed of grief or dread,
Sat greatest of the chieftains great.
With grave intent he listened long ;
Heard many a fiery speaker tell
Of all his People's woe and wrong,
Till twilight's deepening shadows fell.