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

182 THE LEAGUE OF THE IROQUOIS.
And when into each shining strand
Was braided all their thought's intent,
Unto the wisest sachem's hand
He gave the mighty instrument ;
M
To guard and keep its sacred page,
Interpret all its mystery,
Its prudent laws, its precepts sage,
To make a people great and free.
And, counseling each chieftain brave
As he had been a worthy son,
He unto ench his blessing gave
As forth he called them one by one,
To paint and trace with willing hand
Beneath the Tortoise, Wolf and Bear,
The to-tems of each lodge and band,
Their names and tribal to-tems there.
Then Oway-neo's Prophet true,
Great Hayo-went-ha, wise and good,
Who forth the dusky nations drew,
Who foremost in the Council stood ;
Who stayed with love war's wasting brand,
Quelled olden feud and fell intrigue,
Sealed with his noble name and hand
That Aquan-uschi-oni League.