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

THE WONDROUS DEEDS. 45
Then forth the sacred parcel drew ;
And in the ground he careful laid
The seeds of harvests strange and new;
And when had sprung each shining blade,
He round it pressed the mellow loam ;
Not doubting when the days were full
The Moon of Falling
To see the ripened miracle.
Leaves had come.
And tending all with ready arm,
He saw the summer wax and wane ;
To pull the weedy spears that harm,
Or water oft the parched plain,
He came and went with tireless feet ;
Hope-girded all the field he trod,
Till glad he plucked the kernels sweet
From Scho-ta-sarmin's wondrous pod.
And ruddy-ripe o'er all the land,
Fair in the autumn's windy days,
He saw great 0-nust lusty stand ;
He rudely stripped the mighty Maize
And home the priceless treasures bore
To serve the stormy winter's need ;
Or fairest ears did careful store
The future harvest's precious seed.