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

282 THE REAR-WIFE.
Once far away,
When hunting vain, at close of day,
His path beside
A stranger wigwam glad he spied ;
And coming there, he raised the mat :
The inmates all,
Lo !
they were Bears, both great and small,
That smoking sat.
A seat he sought,
He silent smoked the pipe they brought.
They offered meat;
He took, and silently did eat ;
And when refreshed with food and rest,
An old gray Bear,
The Chief, with friendly speech and fair,
Thus him addressed :
u
My son," said he,
"
Among us I am glad
to see
One known of old,
Though only as a hunter bold ;
But oh ! we Bears do suffer sore
For all your fame.
The she Bears tremble at your name ;
Hunt us no more.' 1