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

256 THE GREAT SNAKE OF CANANDAIGUA.
While she who bore life's equal part,
Who in the wigwam toiling sat,
With hand more deft in household art,
Wove fair the waiting couch and mat ;
With charms than maiden charms more rare,
Full-ripened unto matron grace,
With gentle, frugal house-wife care
Made bright the Yong-we's home and place.
And waxing strong, and more and more,
The hunters roamed the farthest wood ;
While thick along the grassy shore
The new built wigwams smiling stood ;
Where oft at twilight's dewy fall,
Afar the tranquil seas along
Woke childhood's gleesome shout and call,
Or dusky forest-maiden's song.
With skillful bow, with valiant arm,
The bravest of the Hunter Race,
They went and came, secure from harm,
With eager feet pursued the chase ;
No fear of foe their bosoms felt,
No dread forebode of coming ill ;
For blest with peace and plenty dwelt
Content
The People of the Hill.