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

THE FORE-WORLD. 25
Rejoicing in their happy lot,
They tell of all adventures bold ;
Or, every pain and care forgot,
To hearken to the legends old,
They round the winter-fireside sit ;
To list,
perchance, the aged sire
The story tell of him that lit
The Onondaga Council-fire.
And if my Harp I wake for him
Whose fading memory still delays ;
And darkly spell the record dim
The record of departed days ;
Wherein is
shown, with little art,
The greatness of his fame and deeds ;
Nor record less of human heart
With human cares and human needs ;
No vain renown I seek to win
For one of more than mortal birth ;
But only do I strive therein
To more exalt the noble worth
Of him the Red Man loved the most ;
Of him I loved
still love no less
Mid Owayneo's Shining Host ;
And so would prove love's worthiness.