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

XVI
THE
FEAST.
THREE times had climbed the morning sun,
Now hanging at his highest noon
;
Three times on midnight shadows dun
The flaming camp-fire light had shone ;
Three days beside the foaming sea
The counseled warrior-braves had stood ;
Er"e long for mighty deeds to be
Renowned, a noble Brotherhood !
Though fear had fanned the Council-flame,
Hope sweetly brightened on its close ;
And weaker hearts, that trembling came,
Would valiant meet their fiercer foes ;
A thousand warriors, painted gay,
Elate of friendly Union won,
Would wait the feast, then far away
Would bear the joyful tidings on.