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

76 THE LEAGUE OF THE IROQUOIS.
And many a youthful warrior, gay
In paint and plumes, her hand had sought,
From lodge and wigwam far away ;
As braves that come to woo, they brought
Of furry skins and wampum-braid,
The costly gifts of forest-art ;
Such as might win the forest-maid
Might charm and win the maiden heart.
But not for him from stranger land
Did she the wedding feast prepare ;
Oh ! not for him the maiden hand
Her raven tresses braided fair ;
The while she crooned this little stave,
Crooned to her waiting heart, meseemed :
" Oh, he is bold !
Oh, he is brave !
1 '
But not the Mighty that I dreamed.
And oft Tio-to's breast would show
Her barky barge that lightly pressed ;
While from the glassy pool below
She drew 0-nox-a's scaly breast ;
Or patient fixed the tempting bait,
Or watched the Sah-wa softly draw,
Or cast the deeper line to wait
Great Do-di-ah-to's hungry jaw.