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

192 THE LEAGUE OF THE IROQUOIS.
Then midway there the ball they brought ;
Tossed high in air ;
each waiting bat
Of hundred arms, and stalwart, sought
To catch it ;
while this way and that
It whirled and sped along the plain ;
Now this, and now that bound was nigh ;
Then stayed ;
in triumph back again
Was brought with scuffle, shout and cry.
Still each with each did strive and cope
Did race and scamper back and forth ;
And each in turn elate with hope,
As east or west or south or north,
Swept by the adverse struggling throng,
It leaped and tossed and bounded on
*****
;
Until, by him most fleet and strong
Borne past the goal, the game was won.
While yet the feast betokened glad,
Where late the solemn council broke
Sat Hayo-went-ha, brooding sad,
And little ate and nothing spoke ;
As bowed in fear or wrapped in awe,
Or felt the touch of sorrow dim ;
Some waiting grief; whate'er he saw,
The shadow darkened but to him.