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

78 THE LEAGUE OF THE IBOQU01S.
Or patient wrought with pride and skill
Her moccasins of rare design ;
With bead of shell and hedge-hog quill
Her fawn-skin kirtle broidered fine ;
That at the dance or Council-place
She too might stand all fair arrayed,
With heightened beauty's charm and grace ;
As best befits the Indian maid.
Or when from far with shaft and bow,
From wood and wild, the hunters came
With Me-sha-way and 0-kwa-ho,
A-meek and Yek-wai
noblest game,
With ready hand and maiden pride
She deftly stripped each ugly beast
Of furry skin or hairy hide,
Cooked fit the meat, and spread the feast.
What time, on many a darkened day,
The braves and warriors, glory-crowned,
Came bleeding from the battle-fray,
Her gentle fingers dressed the wound ;
With tender care and cheerful smile
She charmed each aching bruise, nor vain
Out-watched the paling stars, the while
She smoothed and soothed the couch of pain.