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

THE WONDROUS DEEDS. 47
What time was spread the banquet there
He loosed for them his lofty speech ;
He wide outspread his weapons fair,
Told of the make and use of each ;
And of the Maize, its growth and worth ;
The treasures of the fruitful soil ;
How all the bounties of the earth
But waited on the hand of toil.
Then to the feast. But ere he drew
Or parted bone from bone, or broke
The luscious loaf, or tasted stew,
He, rising, to his people spoke :
"
Brothers ! the Great Spirit, He
These presents brings to those who wait
To do his will ;" then reverently
14
Gave thanks to Oway-neo Great.
Then unto warrior, chief or brave,
Of meat or bread or fowl or fish
He, as their rank, in order gave,
Refilling oft each empty dish ;
Or from the embers, glowing hot,
He cake of 0-nust smoking bore ;
Until was emptied every pot,
Or eating, they could eat no more.