^ i}^'. ilii trSl^W^ SCI or A KMfPllPiw:' An Indian Romance FKEDEKICK. WALTER. imm li-iii 'mm m^ i ili::.:^ Class l^mX Book ^^5_ Copyright ]^^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr SCIOTA An Indian Romance -BY- FREDERICK WALTER, ^"^"'y PUBLISHED and FOR SALE BY THE MACNEAL PRINTING CO. BALTIMORE, MD. PRICE - - - - $1.00 UBflASY of CONiSRESS: Iwo Cooies «sc«irti« SEP 12 iy08 Entered accordiny to Act of Coiiarest:, in the year 1008. by F. \V, St3i^MAi)P in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PREFACE. To the average niinci it would appear that tliere is little in the nature, cliaracter or Iiistory of the North American Indian that would inspire or suggest romantic incident or poetic thought; nevertheless, like all primitive peoples, they liave their folklore, tlieir tales and legends, wild, rude, and improbable as most of them are, yet if closely scanned and patiently analyzed a very deep and abiding sense of tile romantic and poetical may be extracted from their uncouth depths. The groundwork of tliis story was related to the writer wliile lie was recently spending a few days at an Indian camp in the h'ar West. There was nothing in tlie legend, as related, which intli- catcd the locality in wliich the incidents transpired, but the writer's admiration for tlie beautiful valley of the Scioto river, in tlie State of Oliio, led liim to locate the scene of the story in that cliarming region. FREDERICK WALTER. Baltimore, July 4, 1908. SCIOTA AN INDIAN ROMANCE PROLOGUE. LAND of the West! Imperial land! Thou guardian of the gates of night! Thy boundless plains and seas expand To lesser worlds, which hold the might Of rushing" tide and mountain crest. Striding in grandeur o'er thy breast! For — as some cosmic gathered sphere, Roaming the vault of Heaven, that bursts With fateful throes — Thou seemst to rear From out thyself a universe Of Empires, crowned with august sway In the broad firmament of fate, Whose pendant orbs in bright array, Revolving in planetic state — Around thy great parental sun. Whose lioJit by freedom bravely won — Shall on thy bosom, destined, rest A nation's splendor, wond'rous West! SCIOTA BOOK FIRST. PART I. WITHIX the far nnboiincled West Where nature's garbed in stern repose Or else, in softer mood is dressed With clinging- \ine and blooming rose- AA'here gleaming sands the shores adorn, And valleys blush with flowers rare, \A'ithin whose tinted folds are born Sweets that o'erflow the perfumed air — Flows softly on, with liquid song Re-echoed through each verdant glade. A lovely stream, whose banks along — In leafy robe, in misty shade — Stretch onward as in heedless race. With eager waves that gently pillow Their flashing wreaths, in soft embrace Of fragrant sod and drooping willow. Reflected in its bosom deep — Revealing pictures fair and bright — A twin world, wrapped in beauty's sleep, Lies revefling in the jeweled light. Shed by the Sun's exultant beamf — And sacred stars that peaceful glcam^, As ceaseless on their v/estward way. They speed to 'sca]:)e pursuing day — SCIOTA 'Tis fair Sciota ! Charming- Stream ! L^irobing" thus its splendor 'round — As morninf^- breaks with rucUly beam O'er quickened earth and skies profound- 'Alid happy scenes, whose pendant veil Of summer haze, o'er fragrant dale And breezy hill, harmonious flows — Like that soft light whose halo glows O'er mountain tops, the heavenly blue Of distant sunlight veiled in dew — Where broad Ohio's surging tide Rolls onward in eternal race. And calm Sciota's wavelets glide To sink within the rude embrace — Ere stranger form profaning trod. Unchallenged o'er the virgin sod. Or from the plains responsive breast — liy rugged toil imperious riven — The bounteous meed of harvest wrest, I'o ripen 'neath the smile of heaven. When wild deer, fearless, with their young Roamed the broad meadows, or reposing Beneath the oak, whose branches flung A world of shade, like daylight closing — SCIOTA Wandered a brave — Whose eagle plume Proclaimed the warrior of renown — Unmarked by times invading gloom, Unconscious yet of fortunes frown, But in impetuous youth and pride — And hardy as the swaying pine — Along the speeding waters side, He trod those woodland scenes divine. Majestic in his warrior guise — His mighty form, imposing more Than those dread heroes from the skies Who, times, the weight of battle bore Victorious, when injustice sought With all the wrongs success bestow, To crush the men who nobly fought, The battle of a generous foe — He came from that superior land Whose sons despise the plenteous ease, O'er gathered on the verdant strand, And garnered 'mid the vines and trees By the broad lake whose waters, sweep Serene around its stately shores. Or rolling as in restless sleep, Or else in sullen anger, roars SCIOTA As the Borean storm — That drives Tempestuous to destroying flight — Speeds o'er its bosom, and revives The elements conflicting might — Like giants of the olden days Whose warfare raged from earth to sky Relentless, "till the holy rays Shed from the wondrous gates on high. Bade the wide storm and turmoil cease, And brought the happy calm of peace — 'Twas the fair land, — by Hurons side, — Whose spreading sea, whose bounding tide, Whose radiant scenes, inspire the braves Who drink the glory of its waves — Where dwelt the chief; his warrior fame O'er all the W^estern region spread, The nightly raid, the wigwams flame, The tides of blood in battle shed, The shriek of anguish echoing, The wail of fond hearts rudely torn. The shrill death songs that loudly ring. The deeds of torture mercy shorn, His prowess marks, and proudly tends To swell the plumes above his crest ; Likewise a garniture depends In scalp locks from his wampum'd breast. lo SCIOTA Xe'er had he hved in soft content. His joy was all in ceaseless war ; His ready arm unsparing lent Its strength to capture or restore A foe or friend. Who e'er entreats Of Huron's power to assist — AA'hen some superior foe defeats A feebler tribe — Who vain resists- Gains great Waconta's tireless aid With trenchant ax, the van to lead In battles carnage, fire or raid. In every wild vindictive deed. That warfare's madness justifies AVhen weeping mercy fettered lies. 'Twas there, to gather fame, intent. He strode tar from his Northern home, And boldly dared the game, that lent Adventure 'mid the tribes that roam Through the dark forest's solemn deep. In savage vagrance void of joy, Whose highest aim is art to keep Their dupe to torture or destroy. SCI OTA II Triumphant still through fortunes aid. And by his valor danger 'scaped. In vagrant \enture still he straved. 'J'ill fate his wandering" pathway shaped Southward, among the verdant glades (^"er decked by n.atures flowery charms, Where sunny plains and fragrant shades Invited rest in l:)eauty's arms. "Pwas there "mid glens and leafy aisles, And laughing streams that softly flows, AMiere moonlight dreams, and morning smiles, His warring instincts found repose. 12 SCIOTA PART II. I r*^AR ill the South by fair Sciota's side, A Where broad prairies, decked with verdure rare, Rest Hke maternal bosoms, where abide The slumbering peace whose dreams, creating, are That nobler life, which hope beholds again To patriarchal dwell the flowery plain. Here homes are bright, and cheerful hours are spent In welcome toil to grow the fruitful maize. And all those duties savage arts invent Are pleasures that engross the speeding days. Here love delights with loving ones to roam Beneath the star light in the dewy eve. While far above, the vast mysterious dome Enshrines the faith their simple minds believe. SCIOTA 13 It is a clime, where Southern summers reign, And mellow autumn yields its fruit mature, Where the mild winter aids the hunters gain, And spring entrances with its budding lure ; Where mornings sun, grants to adoring light The lusty smiles that ravished days invite, And evenings witchery wooing nights repose In dells nepenthine, where the dew born rose Distilling its sweet soul, in suppliant prayer, Makes seem celestial the caressing air. Here ages gone the red man built his shrine. His tribe to shelter, and his faith to hold — Like olden trees that spread their arms benign, Or those protecting spirits that enfold Their chosen ones within their smiles, to keep From famines ills, or from the foemans raid. Who times, within the gentle hours of sleep. Their tortures threaten and their arms invade — Here dwelt the grand old warrior tribe — whose name For justice honored, and for valor feared — Whose peaceful arts, whose ancient warlike fame, Their arms protected ; whilst their rule endeared To all, who in this happy region dwelt, Who righteous lived and to Manitou knelt. 14 SCIOTA Muskingum sturdy as the mighty hills — That far beA'ond the dim horizon rise — The offsprings of that hero band, whose wills Moved by bright spirits from the gazing skies. From the far West, from some mysterious land That memory ne'er can summon from the past- \\"rapped in the pride of legends old and grand — Came, and resolved their destinies to cast In this bright spot, to be their final home, To dwell contented and no more to roam. Long time in peace they lived, no foeman dared To wake the vengeance of their watchful power, Their weapons ready, and their braves prepared, They lived secure, and long delayed the hour. When war in all its dread aspect became. A scene of horror and the home of flame. At length a band of raiders from the shore, — Where Huron's lake its limpid charms extend — I'^pon Muskingum's borders fiercely pour, Its peace to shatter and its joys to rend. Keen was the battle 'twixt the furious braves. And long the contest urged by hate prevailed. Till 'o'er the plain was spread unnumbered graves. And countless souls each raging tribe bewailed. SCIOTA 15 Muskingum's God protected, powers succeed. Whilst Huron's captured braves in torture bleed. And ever since, black hate supreme, commands The chasm 'twixt these mighty warrior bands. For glad ! ^fuskingum's valiant sons would bleed, From their brave hearts, the last drop on the fane. Of that dear land, ere should prevail the deed That brings a Huron foe's invading stain. Triumphantl}' ! Beyond all fear, they held Their homes secure in freedoms guarding light. The errant brave that tempting war impelled, Came but to death, or worse, polluting flight. PART III. T~y VT now behold ! A Huron trod -■-^ L'nchallenged on Muskingum's sod ! W'aconta came, with wild desire, To spread the land with death and fire. Fearless ! Alone ! Disdaining all That led to rest or pleasures state, Content to live, content to fall, If but Muskingum felt his hate. i6 SCIOTA But never can a mind foretell The measures prompting fates decree, What features guide, what arts impel The being to his destiny. One eve, — 'tw^as when the softened shade Of twilight o'er the heavens strayed, When woodlands melt in odors rare, And silent flows the perfumed tear That nature sheds with parting day — He saw — enraptured 'neath the ray, — A light of beauty beam afar. Fair as the tinted evening star That glows upon the Western sky — A lovely maid, to his fond eye W^ith grace beyond all earthly measure, Amid a happy band, that vie In bounding maze of guileless pleasure. Unseen he gazed, and gazing found New joys revealed, new charms abound In every change that brightly came On that sweet face. A holy aim SCIOTA 17 To his impassioned gaze appeared In every gentle smile — that stirred His throbbing breast with love intense — Upon that face of innocence. Meanwhile in musics pleasing thrall — That lingered o'er the sunny glade Like some bright Peri's heavenly call — Thus sweetly sang Muskingum's maid. O ! hours intense With loves suspense, Fraught ever with hopes recompense, That constant, through Bright visions, drew To mem'ry loves fond tale anew. Impassioned starts Our throbbing hearts With new born impulse, that imparts A higher joy, Beyond alloy Of pains or sorrows that destroy. i8 SCIOTA And thus until We idly fill The passing scenes that course and thrill, With pleasured thought, Inconstant taught By dreaming joys inconstant sought; 'Tis sweet to sigh, And languid lie Enraptured 'neath the smiling sky, In loves suspense With hope intense To wait the hearts fond recompense. Thus pleasure sped And moments fled — Which loves impassioned hours span'd — In misty dells Whose fragrance tells The glowing beauty of our land ; While all about The forests shout Resounded through broad natures hall ; And through bright days Responding lays Drew music from the mockers call. SCIOTA 19 Until the light In vagrant flight Turned happy day to solemn night, Where stars shone dim In silent hymn, That reverent filled the circling rim. And so content, (3ur hopes invent New scenes, new joys, their treasures lent To speeding years, Whose hallowed tears Sheds incense o'er our passing biers. At once his heart was all aflame, At once forgetting country, fame, And all the legendary past. His soul went forth, his hopes were cast It seem'd upon a magic shrine. So new the sense, so vast the mine Of wondrous joy, far, far above All other joys ; 'twas love, fond love That plead the hearts ecstatic prayer. And set the gem of virtue there. 20 SCIOTA PART IV. T~> UT Ah ! The pang reflection brings, ■*—^ To know that she, a foemans child — Whose image to my memory cHngs Like some sweet spirit, that beguiled The aching heart to that content Which comes when wayward souls repent — Must know a Huron's hand is dyed With the proud blood, unjustly shed, When her dear people, peace denied, Their hearts libations freely bled ; Can She — beholding all the wrong By Huron wrought, the crushing grief That such unholy wars prolong — Give one kind thought to Huron's chief?" "Alas ! 'tis hopeless to expect — For virtue is supremely just — Forgiveness for the hand that wrecked — Unpitying 'mid the battle lust — The few fond joys that life contains For innocence that dwell the plains. And yet a brave should not despair, A Huron knows nor fears defeat, A love like mine, no thought should dare To its fond purpose bid retreat. SCIOTA 21 Perhaps some fonder brave has heard The hquid magic of her voice, Perhaps some nobler soul has stirred Her heart to sweet affection's choice. Away such fears ! Undaunted will 1 shape the ends that yield me joy, Brave all Muskingum's power, until Love conquers, or the fates destroy." And She — Who thus unconscious gave A heaven to bless the Huron brave — She was a love light on the brow Of time that guides to holy peace, A jewel won from heaven, that now Dwells the rude earth, to give release To virtues, which beneath the crust Of some stern breast, when brought to light. Springs roughly from the veiling dust, And sheds their beauty pure and bright — The daughter of Muskingum's chief, The master form of that proud band. The arbiter whose dictates brief Gives law to rule his cherished land. 22 SCIOTA Stern as the darkening thunder clouds The shrieking tempest sullen crowns, His gloomy brow, unyielding, shrouds His dreaded will, and save the frowns, That gather with the lightning gleams That flashes from his eagle gaze, No portent of his measures beams Revealing from the hidden blaze. His mighty arm. that often turned Destruction to the battling foe, Dealt to the brave, that daring, earned His hate, the final act of woe. But greater far his fury grew. When that cursed name, at times was spoken, Which from the Huron waters drew Its tide of glory, yet unbroken By all Muskingum's utmost might In raiding arts or gallant fight. His passion like a raging flood — Deadlier as its volume grows — Sees naught to recompense but blood, When some indignant warrior throws SCIOTA 23 The gauntlet to oppressions rage, To seek the right, to dare the gage. And yet a patriots soul was his ! Persistent for his peoples right He sought the path, whose progress is For welfare, and the generous light To beam in those progressive aisles That guide the land to plenty's smiles. And yet his gloomy brow to one Unbends ! When in his mighty arms, His dear child sees the pity won Through her fond loves caressing charms ; She knows some wretched soul may yet, In freedom all his woes forget — Like some sweet Nymph's creating dream That woos the gentle winds and showers, With sunlight's glow, and lightnings gleam And weaves them into fragrant flowers — So, often she had pleading, wrest Forgiveness through her loving art. Turned the dark aims that throned his breast, And bade awaiting death depart ; 24 SCIOTA At times some captives bonds were rent, And mercy gained its holy cause, Through her sweet prayers, Hke angels sent To beg resenting justice pause. Ah sweet Floreta ! Fair as light Of the young morn', from heaven flowing ; Thine eyes amid the silent night Illumed the shade like twin stars glowing, And in the glory of thy smile An angel birth seemed just awaking, Whom loves soft glamour did beguile To barter bliss in thus partaking. PART V. ^ I "VHE stars from out their vesper dream -■- Aroused, desert Sciota's stream ! Far in the East a tint of grey Crowns the young brow of waking day ! Along the sky the Sun God threw Caressing smiles of rosy hue ! And upward to the zenith strays Alternate shafts of cloud and rays ; SCIOTA 25 While far above floats shreds of light, Driving the dull reluctant night To the dark West, where throned afar Rests radiantly the morning star. The Eastern sky in gold and blue With tinted shafts of light bestrew The heavens ; while the hills around Are crowned with light, their vales profound In shadow rests ; and now the scene Seems waking from a couch of green. Thus morn's celestial splendors rest Like gems adorning natures breast. The meadow larks high song invites The maiden band to matin rites ! With gleeful steps they stray 'mid gems Of pendant dew drops, gracing stems Of emerald spray, whose glinting light In days soft youth seemed doubly bright. 26 SCIOTA Far floating on the rippling tide They saw a wreath of wild flowers, blending Their brilliant hues, and slowly glide 'Mid eager waves, that seem'd contending, In playful strife, to kiss the mass Of tinted beauty. As they pass Each maid with anxious footsteps try To climb a jutting rock hard by, And from the vantage station, wrest The wreath from calm Sciota's breast. Floreta's active steps assail The treacherous steep, and first to scale, While reaching forth the flowers to save She fell ! She sank beneath the wave ! Shriek after shriek of wild despair Rang out upon the fragrant air ! But hark ! An answering shout is heard, And from the forest depths appeared A warrior form, whose footsteps vied. In speed, the winds unmeasured stride. SCIOTA 27 'Twas but a moment, on the verge Of the vast rock, above the surge He paused, to see the wavelets curl And mark the spot where fell the girl, Then quick as lightning from the clouds, Resistless in the tempest flashing, He cleft the wave that beauty shrouds, And 'neath its bosom fearless dashing, Rose like some God of ocean birth And bore the rescued maid to earth. Scarce had Waconta bravely gained The wooded bank, than 'round him rained From countless tongues, such vengeful yells, It seem'd the echoing voice of hells Unhallowed host had thus gained vent. While threatening hands with weapons, rent The circling air about his head ; Soon had his fearless bosom shed Its hero tide, beneath the hail 28 SCIOTA Of arrow barbs ; soon had the wail Of coming death been bravely sung, Had not the maid, in terror clung With frenzied cries about his breast. "Back ! Back ! she shrieked, cease warriors, lest Thou carest to meet Kalenko's blade ; Know that my life ere now were fled, And I beneath these waters laid, Had not some guardian spirit led This gallant Huron to my aid." "Cowards ! by numbers valiant grown, Wouldst dare to strike the noble down? Wouldst dare such cowardice to own And meet Kalenko's angered frown? Back! let my sire in judgment stand. Let justice rule through his command!" "Bright flower, Muskingum's cherished pride, But for thy prayer, ere this had died That hound from Huron's cursed abode ; Ere, this, on deaths revolting road SCIOTA 29 His traitor soul had sped its way But for thy wish ; thus we obey Thy loved command. Now bind the chief, His future life on earth, though brief, Shall such remorseless torture greet, That hells uncertain pangs were sweet Beside our wrath. Kalenko's voice His fate shall name, and his the choice Of lingering death" — Thus sternly said The Chief Shananket, he who led Muskingum in each desperate scheme. Whose plot by day, whose nightly dream Was murder in its direst hue ; WHiose every inspiration, drew Its torrid food from festering hate Of mercy's cause. Whose heart — elate With mocking joy when torment claimed Its shuddering prey, or madly flamed The pyre that wrapped some tortured breast — 'Till now in its dark cell repressed, 30 SCIOTA Beheld misfortune, grim, requite His labored schemes, beheld the night Of disappointment fall, and shroud His hope, that 'mid the pleading crowd Of eager swains, that he alone Floreta's loving heart would gain, Thus armed, to grasp Muskingum's throne, And o'er Sciota's splendors reign. His eyes reveal the baleful glow Of love despised, and raging now, He saw the tide, impulsive flow And mantle o'er her virgin brow, Whose language, more than words, impart The inmost secrets of the heart. PART VI. yi BROAD, the olden trees majestic flung -^-^ Their wide parental arms, whence graceful hung The sprays and vines enrobed in living green ; Around, the grove disclosed a peaceful scene ; The tangle of the virgin wood was cleared, And all about Muskingum's homes were reared ; Here elders sit in evenings tranquil hour ; \ Here dwells the chief, whose long descended power SCIOTA 31 Rules the great tribe : and here in council state The delegated chieftains calmly wait The fire ignited by the prophets flame, Whose holy light inspires the lofty aim To teach and guide Muskingum's stately course, And give the nation the resulting force Of well considered ends, for here is found Such wisdom as in savage breasts abound ; Here history's wrought in that inspiring game That built the glory of Muskingum's name. Circled around, each brow was gravely set In studious thought, while passed the calumet From lip to lip, its mental miraged haze Floats softly o'er the councils fragrant blaze ; And through the curling wreaths is visioned clear, What wisdom seeks, what warrior arms may dare. Meanwhile in silence waits the somber band For great Kalenko's well resolved command. At length his voice in tones like thunder, deep. That o'er the distant heavens rolling, sweep In chords affrighting, bade the braves that wait Bring forth the Huron, that avenging fate May wrong redress. The chief securely bound Stood at the bar. where justice reigns profound. 32 SCIOTA "Huron, thou earnest amid the gloom of night, A spy dishonored, a craven too despite Thy lying plumes, to stealthy consummate The deeds that fiends alone would emulate. Thou dared profane the sacred homes, that we From foul invasion, kept supremely free For ages long ; and too thou'd dare to wreak Thy creeping warfare on the old, the weak, And those beloved ones whose one defense Was not their valor, but their innocence." "Thou unprovoked hath done these wrongs, and I Tell thee our laws demand that thou shalt die. Yet as thou haply didst unselfish save. The fairest noblest of Muskingum's daughters, From that most dreaded fate an unmarked grave, Unhallowed, 'neath Sciota's sorrowing waters. Thy story shall be calmly heard, yet brief Must be thy words, and dare not hope relief From captive fate. Our honored council will With justice strict their righteous task fulfill." Thus spake Kalenko ! and replied the chief With fearless mien, and language bold and brief. SCIOTA 33 "Great chief! Thy power holds naught for me That bids me fear ; nor can there be In all thy tribes destroying might Aught, which can turn my soul from right. I came not as a spy to wreak A cowards arms upon the weak ; Or in the glooms enfolding hour To stealthy dare thy kingly power, But as a brave, inviting brave To combat for an honored grave, The prize ! The victors generous claim To live in glowing legend fame." "While wandering through thy fragrant groves Where angels dwell, where beauty roves, I saw the maid whose heavenly charms Enthralled my soul, whose glance disarms," 34 SCIOTA "Hate even in the mad embrace Of insane rage. One joyous smile Illuming that celestial face, Would vengeance from its aims beguile. And guide it to repentant grace. Then from my breast did every thought Depart with fames eternal dream, And save the sense which honor taught, Love reigned within my heart supreme. Kalenko now thou knowest all The emprise dared within thy state, My soul's content, nor dreads to fall, Thy judgment I impatient wait." The calumet again passed silent round The group of patient chiefs. In thought profound Each furrowed somber brow was deeply stirred, And whispering with jestures rude conferred. And now Kalenko begged each thoughtful chief His judgment to relate, in language brief. SCIOTA 35 Yet in such truthful eloquence, that all May know 'tis justice that demands the fall, Or grants respite awhile to Huron's brave — Who treads the margin of a waiting grave — At length Kalenko's voice spoke the decree Which gave the Huron death or liberty. Chieftain, he said, Muskingum's distant birth Was in a wondrous land, 'twas thence we came, To peaceful rear upon the bounteous earth A noble people and an honored name. But not through me shall glowing history sound Its stirring voice, but by our prophets tongue. In rythmic measures that may well astound, Our nations trials and triumphs shall be sung; That thou mayst see and justly prize, how great It is, to be adopted by our state. "Then said the prophet bent and hoary, Huron thou shalt hear the story Of Heavens wrath, Muskingum's glory." 36 SCIOTA PART VII. I ^ROM Apalatchias orient chain ^ To far Dakota's snow clad mountains, Reposed uncleft a sun bright plain Kept ever green by constant fountains. The earths increase of fruited maize Our wigwams filled to overflowing; In pleasured concourse passed the days, The nights, in happy dreams bestowing. The speeding chase, its well earned spoil Reward well the hunters toil. When bisons roamed in herded mass. And watchful browsed the waving grass. Thus Heaven bestowed its bounteous cheer, And peaceful life, bereft to fear Passed happy on. Until at length A savage horde in countless strength, Scaling the Northern Mountains, came From some dark land, whose icy steeps Untouched by the inspiring flame, That in full measured splendor, leaps From Heavens bright shield. A shivering hell- Where but misshapen natures dwell — Where Unalaska's gibbering Gnomes Are the guardian demons of their homes. SCIOTA 37 O'er the bright plains their legions raged ! And with revolting torture, waged A strife that more destructive grew, As our devoted warriors threw Their lives, their treasures in the breach. No arm could stem, no force could reach The vitals of their savage power ; Our arrow barbs in endless shower Remorseless sought the crowding horde, — But like the storm clouds driving rain, Destructive as it stintless poured, When ceased, a hardy scene restored That teemed with sturdy life again — Thus their resistless legions pressed Our lessening sons, and daily wrest From our fond home some fair estate ; While new misfortune seem'd to wait Our every effort, to oppose The emprise of our savage foes. Thus was our valor doomed to fail, Before that reeking human gale. There yet remained a last appeal For penitential hearts to make, 'Twas justice should its ends reveal. And its celestial power awake ; Then from high Heavens unclouded plain, Our prophets wooed with sacred prayer, The vestal ray. to light our fane And yield expectant blessings there. 38 SCIOTA Quick, in a flash of blinding" flame The holy fire responding came. Then kneeling 'round the fane we gave, Sadly, our prayers to pitying Heaven, To spare us a dishonored grave. And give to us the holy leaven Of hope renewed, again to rise — In some fair scene to crime unknown. Beneath the charm of smiling skies — And build anew Muskingum's throne. Heaven heard our prayer, became our guide To homes where flows Sciota's tide. PART VIII. BUT justice from its dread celestial height, Beheld the wrong imposed by impious might, Condemned the horde, a fated judgment reap. To ever more in death's abyss to sleep. Manitou, glorious ! from his throne enveiled Bv storm rent clouds, stretched forth his sceptered hand. With thunders crash, and lightning bolt, assailed The quaking stretches of our stolen land. And from the depths, where prisoned waters course Tn angry riot, loosed their waiting wrath. Resistless in a vast unguided force, They ploughed along the earth an awful path. SCIOTA 39 The heavens wept, the skies were rent in twain ; The wind ghosts howled a frenzied revelry. And where smiled plenty o'er a bounteous plain, Now raged a storm wracked, wide, engulfing sea. Chaos ruled triumphant, o'er the grave Of all that sunlit beauty gave to life ! And seem'd, as towering wave combatted wave. The prelude of a world destroying strife. The seasons passed and seasons grew again, And yet the murky waves o'erflowed the plain. The tireless sun, in unseen volume, drew The sullen waters to the arching blue, And gather'd there, a cloud o'erflowing brood, Gave to the thirsty lands reviving food. So endless time again its scenes repeat. Of Legends past, which memories faintly tell Of that heroic age when warrior feet, Migrating, trod the lands of Asphodel. 'Neath tattered banners of a starving horde From throttled Ind, and Chian's barren steeps,- Seeking expectant, fruitage, generous stored In bursting garners, wealth and labor reaps — To the far East, where earth and heaven blend, Their lagging steps drew onward in despair. Never to reach the far retreating end Which like a mirage faded on the air. 40 SCIOTA Still on they pressed upon the toilsome way, Where wandering tribes their futile might oppose, Who battled bravely in a moment's fray And falling, met pale deaths exulting woes. Onward still ! 'Till reached the distant verge They paused dejected on a rock crowned brink — Then like the shrieking sea birds fatal dirge — They voice their sorrows, as they fearful shrink The vast waves rolling on the barren shore, The storm clouds speeding o'er the angry main, And curse the fate whose lure, derisive bore, Their faltering ranks to deaths revolting reign. But now the leader, — whose triumphant arms Led them to victory on the desperate path, Beheld the ocean gemmed with island charms. Beheld the fading of the tempests wrath — With stirring song — Which skies prolong In echoes o'er the listening throng — While pointing to the isles that ranged afar. Like steps to reach a distant paradise. Reviving all with hopes inspiring star — Revealed the story of the waiting prize. SCIOTA 41 "The missiles vast, by unclean spirits hurled With giant arms, in that profane assault — Were mountains, wrest from out the quaking world — To wreck the portals of the heavenly vault. But Gods supreme, in their eternal power Cast back the weapons to astounded earth, There, in repose they drank the sunny hour, And grew to splendor in a verdant birth." "Now like successive continents they lay, O'er treasured with the fruitage to sustain Our famished ranks, and bares the yielding way That leads to plenty o'er the conquered main." They built their vessels, launched them on the tide, And gained the island's ease inviting breast. The first to seek the world inspiring stride That dared the mastery of a mighty west. And onward still from isle to isle they sped — Whose welcome sands the fragile barques profane. Beneath bright skies in daylight glory spread. And nights ablaze with stars imperial rain. And on until the heaving ocean bridged Their barques lie stranded on a wondrous shore — A sun bright land with terraced verdure ridged — Where flowery revels paint the valleys o'er. 42 SCIOTA Thus came the tribes ! whose glorious past was veiled With bonds ignoble, born through countless years, By laboring serfs whom hissing lashes quailed In blood torn tribute of despairing tears. While fair Samaria's homes were foully raped By dread Pilesear's desecrating Sard, And heaven condemned their destiny was shaped To penitential earn their sins' reward ; For through the wrongs resentful pride impose, Jh^^ fci^ Jt4t^Viyf/C At Acxi^ Disdaining truths th' inspired prophets taught, Forgetting rescue from Egyptian woes, Forgetting peace their old religion sought. Unto degrading Gods they impious turned. In profane worship at their altars fire. Where through licentious rites degenerate learned, They reaped the harvest of celestial ire. But through the ages fellowship remained Though lost to name, and that immortal light That built their nation, now forever stained By Heavens repulse. At length reviving right Their numbers gathered, and escaped the chain Of crushing slavery, in migrating ranks They scaled opposing mountains, dared the main, And rest in rapture on those sunny banks. SCIOTA 43 And yet their nomad instincts still supreme, The heritage of their Chaldean sires, Disdaining ease of plenty's tranquil dream. In restless wandering sought their souls' desires. The tribes divide ! Seductive countries lay In the far South beneath unclouded skies. Their fertile plains, in bountiful array Of yielding nature wooes responsive eyes. And there at last they rest, their wandering o'er, Mid Anahuac's groves in languorous peace, 'Till Heaven, appeased, shall happily restore Their heritage, and give their fate release. PART IX. ^T^HE better part, the brave, the bold, -^ Those of a true heroic mould, Disdaining rest, despising pain, Believed their light would rise again ; Not in the soft seductive leisure Of groves that lead to aimless pleasure : Not in those Syren haunts where grows The unearned fruitage of repose. But where men in unceasing strife Win all that earth imparts to life ; Where laboring arms and brains ignite Ambitions fire, and guides its light. 44 SCIOTA O'er mountains far, whose lofty peaks With endless winter's garment reeks — Whose rocks and chasms faint supplying A path of danger, rest denying — The horrors of the steeps they face. Where ice born storms, o'erwhelming, race From crag to crag in wild revolt With whirling winds, in fierce assault On rampart hills, that guarding lay Like sentinels to dispute the way. High in the air, above the clouds Which all the earth below enshrouds, In starving ranks, they pressed the sod Where mortal footsteps ne'er had trod ; Where rocks and hills unyielding, staunch, Fall 'neath the fatal avalanche That fills the chasms, blocks the pass And hurls an elemental mass Chaotic gathered, prone upon. The striven way their steps had won. SCIOTA 45 And thus amid the warring wrath Of quaking earth and angered sky — Where winds unfettered swept the path And rocks, plutonic, baring he — They struggled on courageous still Through days of long enduring want, Amid the pangs of natures chill And pains abode and famines haunt ; For destiny revealed the way And led them to the promised light, Without the guiding cloud by day. Or yet the pillar'd fire at night; Protected by celestial care, Triumphing the forbidding road. They quit the realms of frigid air And to a kindlier region strode. At length they came to that fair land The Eden of our sires delight, Unscathed by wars invading hand, Unsullied by tyrannic might. And dwelt long ages of content, Until the Norths invading horde Came on devastating mission bent. And met Manitou's dread reward. 46 SCIOTA PART X. RELUCTANT, in its whelming sway, Slowly the deluge passed aw'ay ; And from its sullen bosom, isles Up raised their breasts to nature's smiles. The islands grow ; the waters fade ; And plains with changing hill and glade. Soon in a garb of verdure dressed Awake to life. While from the breast Of ardent nature paeans singing. Bright flowers in unchecked clusters grow, While shrubs and vines, like lovers clinging. Their meed of pregnant growth bestow. The earth renewed in youth appears ! The skies alternate smiles and tears. Inviting natures waking charms To living dreams in beauty's arms. But wondrous were the changes lexit The floods retreat. The unrobed scene A riven land, through whose extent A mighty river rolls between — Its countless arms were stretched away To bring a tributary tide. From Eastern hills, which cradle day. And from the West where nights abide — SCIOTA 47 Like destiny's unyielding force, The flood, restraining earth defied, Its crumbHng banks, and fitful course Shaped the inconstant waters stride. 'Twas thus the deluge scared the earth, Whose sun bright plains and languorous isles, Forever since creations birth Basked unrestrained in plenty's wiles. But now a hardier land is here Where willing hands alone may win, Through labors weal, the righteous cheer That loving arms may gather in. We are the last of that great band Who from Chaldean sources came Escaping bondage, found this land And wrought Muskingum's deathless name. And our pure blood of long descent No mongrel strain invading dared. Our pride of race ennobling lent The conscious garb that memory shared. But ere the legend is complete, Or yet fulfilled the sacrifice. Shall thoughtful age those truths repeat, That teach the rude, inspire the wise. 48 SCIOTA O ye ! who climb ambitions steep, And on its fragile summit, reap Its rotted fruit, the dead decay That scarce prevails a fleeting day — And find thy towering pride, but lend A future cursed with withering care, And all thy striven splendor end In the cold desert of despair ; — Seek not the calmer vales of life, Seek not the refuge of content, Thou'll know them not, thy ways are strife Thy days of peace and love are spent. A day of valor though it ring With passioned glory of success. Its utmost conquests scarce may bring A passing strain of happiness. A day of triumph though 'tis passed Amid the realms of power and fame. Its builded hopes, through time amassed, Yield but a quick forgotten name. SCIOTA 49 A day of love — serenely filled With incensed hours of fond delight, Where souls entwined, with rapture thrilled, Live in their own enshrining light — Its joys unnumbered, dwell within The hearts recesses, ever blessing. And fondly prompts the holy sin That seeks its heaven in fond caressing. Ambition's ends can ne'er atone. With all its gauds and gilded art, For tortured days to love unknown, Or hungered longing of the heart ; Like visioned demons of the night. It turns the evenings calm repose To baleful scenes, where shivering fright Beeets a multitude of woes. Huron, we now unfold our arms To welcome thee an honored son, And give to thee the fondest charms That mortal love hath ever won. 50 SCIOTA The prophet ceased ! Kalenko's voice In solemn accents judgment gave, Relentless the ungenerous choice, To join the tribe or meet the grave. What ordeal could a warrior know More fraught with cruelt}^ intense, That binds him to his country's foes A traitor's price, his recompense. And gives it to invading power To pour its savage hordes upon His native land, and speed the hour, Led by a lost a recreant son. What virtuous soul would contemplate The traitors shame, the dastard fate? The outcast's hope forever lost, The peace that never lives again ; What mind could calm behold the cost And live a lie 'mid patriot men? Could his proud heart resolved in truth Thus sacrifice its generous youth? Could he, a recreant life to save. Yield its high aims to 'scape the grave? Forbid it Heaven ! Ye powers divine That steel our souls to deeds sublime, Protect from that entrancing snare And give the fortitude to bear — SCIOTA 51 Not death invoked by savage art — That gives the torture's withering fire — Or faith that casts the quivering heart, Still pulsing, on the reeking pyre— But the sweet monitor, that keeps The heart enchained in beauty's guile, While memory's light unconscious sleeps O'er whelmed by loves supernal wile. For that fond demon, heavenly born, From its high portals loving torn. Welds every thought in one dear thrill That leaves no 'scape for mortal will. "Through beauty's barter thou wouldst seel To win abhorrent aims, that reek With traitor deeds, yet that pure maid Would 'neath the pitying earth be laid, Than aid in thy repulsive ends, Than yield one timid thoughts applause To gain a moments stay, that tends, To turn thy hearts to mercy's cause." "Muskingum's list — for now is past The hopes, that o'er my future cast A fate destined, through battles game, To make supreme the Huron name — 52 SCIOTA "Wrapt in ambitious vivid snare, With glory's beacon light to guide, With arm to battle, heart to dare, No thought restrained my warrior pride Until loves holy message taught — All else was vain, evasive, naught — That Heaven alone could send the hour Which gives me to loves holy power. Not thine to grant the peerless dower!" "Muskingum, now I fearless tell The answering words, that bid me dwell In deaths long sleep : glad will I brave The torture's pains, the festering grave. The wreck of love, the curse of hate, Ere I a moment's thought would give To aid thy schemes, to help thy state, And with thy tribe applauding, live.'* Scarce had his words, defiant, ceased, Than passion freed its long restraint. The brandished club, the ax released Gleamed in the light with baneful plaint At once Muskingum's warriors grasped The fearless brave, his limbs were clasped With circling bonds, and thus secure A night of torture to endure. SCIOTA 53 Dark was the eve, the thunder crashed, The vivid Hghtning, speeding far Upon the skies, appalling flashed. Manitou rode his storm robed car! And on the night's enfolding gloom Launched forth the tempest wind songs, free To howling sing a coming doom, A dirge of sacrificial glee. A night of horror to the brave, A night that contemplation gave No recompensing thought, that light Could lend one hope to suffering right ; Or chance to conquer that despair Which shapes to life its gloomy end, A chance that gives, to valiant share A fearless struggle to defend. Thus mused the chief while sorrows rend. "O for a moment, freedoms thrill To give my arm inspiring power One gallant contest to fulfill. Then welcome deaths eternal hour. O liberty ! thou purest crime That mortal dares that angels praise ! Thy triumph turns to light sublime The fettered gleam of tyrant rays ! But liberty is not for me In death alone my soul is free." 54 SCIOTA But now a form from out the shade With silent steps steals through the glade, Wrapt in a night hued robe, that le.it Dread semblance to a spirit, sent From out the shadowy land of death. With whispered words and bated breath Briefly revealed, the prisoned chief, The way to life, the hoped relief. His quickened sense inspired, awake, Beholds loves constancy forsake Her country, home, her nation, yet Feel not a pang of fond regret. Quickly the harrowing bonds were riven A weapon to his hands was given. "Away ! Away ! She whispering said, Before the dawn illumes the hills Be thou on freedom's pathway fled, 'Tis thus its duty love fulfills ; But when in thy far home secure. Remember, this fond beating heart With constancy will still endure, 'Till life with its lost hopes depart." SCIOTA 55 "Forbid it, Heaven! Waconta cried. That I should leave my promised bride, Desert my souls celestial joy ! Quit thy fond presence ; and destroy The one dear hope that pitying fate May its relentless course abate. No. No ! No recreant brave am I ! Far better, far, it were to die With all the pangs that torture give, Than thus desert thy love, and live." "Away ! Away ! the maid replied. If yet thou hope to gain thy bride! I'll wait thy coming 'till the light Of that bright orb, now soon to rise, Deserts its path, and yields to night An endless mastery o'er the skies. I go dear one he said at length, But wait me, I will come again. And with me all the warrior strength Of Hurons true heroic men." 56 SCIOTA BOOK SECOND. PART XI. TOWARDS the North, a toiling brave Sped on to where the tideless wave Of restless Huron stretched afar, — Embounded by the mystic bar Where lake and skies enchanted meet. Long had his quick untiring" feet Trod the wild path of steep and plain With one reviving hope, to gain His native land, his nation's home. Where those resistless warriors roam Who made immortal. Huron's name, Who built its power, impressed its fame ; Where, in the wake of passing time. They gathered on their Northern hills The valor, which a rugged clime Such fearless hearts responsive fills. Hard by the shore, where lofty pines With arms in cloudless incense swinging- Like censers serving natures shrines, 'Mid woodland chorus brightly ringing ; Where blooming plants of hardy grace With beaut}^ paints the fragrant sod. While yet triumphed the kingly race The oriflamme of golden rod — SCIOTA 57 Dwelt Huron's hardy warriors. Here Their home fires kept their hearts aglow, With legend glories to endear, And stintless freedom to bestow Its guerdon on each fearless son, Who with his ax and trusty bow His warrior plumes by valor won From some renowned but conquered foe. Loud were the cheers that greeting came As on the scene Waconta trod, His heart aglow with valors flame, His bearing like a warrior god ; His form exalted as the oak That triumphs in the forest shade; His voice in tempest tones invoke, The list'ning braves, to gallant aid A cause as generous as the war, — Of virtue 'gainst alluring wrong — That suppliant wins its hallowed star And sets it mid the holy throng. His words in burning measures, grew Like floods that sweep the valleys through, And scatters in their ruthless flight The scenic chords of olden might, Then falling as some grand refrain. Intones a brighter chord again. 58 SCIOTA His eloquence resounding grand, Stirred the rude passions of the band ; Aroused to war or soothed to peace ; Bade pity flee or vengeance cease ; Invoked the raids relentless game; Or lighted loves celestial flame ; Exulting made each willing arm, The guiding sire of wars alarm. And thus each rude tempestuous heart With passions revelry intense, Sought eager, dangers hopeless part, Spurred by the stormy eloquence. Then ere the ecstacy were fled The final words were sternlv said. O warriors of a noble line, Whose valiant actions, brightly shine In memory's light, where deeds of glory Live in the prophets glowing story — As fancy's tales are told, to grace The legends of some mystic race — Can you renowned for generous deeds That makes the Huron name sublime. Exist unmoved, while virtue pleads To 'scape the savage grudge of crime? SCIOTA Ye victors of a hundred fields, Who staked your honor, to attain The proud estate, that nobly wields The arms o'erguarding freedoms reign; Can you live on in plentys ease While rampant tyranny prevails, Imbibe the essence, while the lees Is mocking cast to swell the wails Of sufiFering hearts, whose vain defense Is their sad, piteous impotence? It seems but yesterday, when youth, — Clad in the panoply of truth — By Huron's waters, happy strode — Drinking the poetry which life Imparts to youth, ere manhood's strife Unveils the drear subverting road. And on its bosom dim, afar. Beheld a seeming ordained light, — A bright isle, like some waking star That decks the robe of early night — A light of hope, destined to glow O'er young ambition's boasting sway, Or else, perhaps a mocking woe Ere life beholds its closing day. 6o SCIOTA Shall we in dull contentment rest, And let ambition callous lie ; Quench the proud fire that warms each breast, Nor pass one fond regretful sigh? If so, how vain the hope that strives For fleeting joys we sufifering reap, When treasured mem'ry scarce survives The advent of eternal sleep. If this be true, what does the flight Of time impart to earthly state. When darkly looms the coming" night, Where all that life begets, await A few strained tears, a passing sigh, A moment's tribute o'er the bier, A light regret, and then to lie Forgotten through the endless year. Can we, thus scanning o'er the past Wish that our future be o'er cast By nerveless ease, never to greet A gallant struggle e'en 'twere defeat? Shall we philosophy invent To ease our conscience, gain content Through argument, that deftly pleads. To cheat our lives of noble deeds? SCIOTA 6 1 Not so! such fate just men despise; Indignant, their brave souls arise Rebellious, though some distant field May see their gallant bosoms yield The tide of life, unwept, unknown, Save by the verdure's soothing wave. Or some sweet flower through pity grown In tearful perfume from the grave. And now ye Huron braves arise, Reveal your soul's unflinching wrath, Muskingums sons must ne'er despise Or fright you from the warriors' path. For they, transgressing truth's domain. Deride your prowess, flaunt your rage Declare your conquests, boasted, vain, And dare you to the battle's gage. Now let our prophet meek intone Our prayers to reach Manitou's throne Imploring Heaven's immortal care While we the toils of conflict share. 62 SCIOTA PART 12. Prayer. /^^ REAT Spirit thou Lord who dwells Supreme ^^ In Heaven's celestial Hall ! Thy holy name. O mighty King ! Be hallowed over all. Thy kingdom of eternal light Some happy day shall come ! Thy will celestial shall prevail, And contrite hearts be dumb. Grant us the sustenance that flows From thy responding earth ; Forgive our faults and let our acts Be measures of our worth. Let not temptation's might prevail And fill our worldly path ; O free us through thy boundless love From Thy destroying wrath ! Thy power and Thy glory. Lord ! Eternity shall know. Thy praises will through endless time With love adoring flow. SCIOTA 63 Thou wondrous Spirit. God of all The universal scheme, Extending where no thought may dare, Nor wisdom's light may dream. The moon, the stars, the cosmic space, Creations natal cause. With orders flowing harmony Obey Thy changeless laws. Thou brought the night from space afar To tread its silent way ; And with the sun's inspiring light Thou built the glowing day. Along the skies' celestial path Thy flaming legions march, In phalanx of imposing ranks That gem the starry arch. Dread spirit of such boundless power O let us triumph, when We strike for honor, justice, right; Lord, grant our prayer. Amen. Up sprang the warriors, each resolved The tribal glory to renew ; The problem of invasion solved, They quick the fateful path pursue. 64 SCIOTA BOOK THREE. ^ I ^ HE hours passed, the storm king's reign, -*- Lingering in distant thunder's sound, Gave way before the blushing train Of rays that rosy morning crowned. Muskingum's braves, from slumbers yoke Stirred by the woodland call, awoke ; To reach the Huron's prison space. The path, with hurried steps they trace ; But hark ! Those curses, deep and dread, Proclaim the Huron Chief has fled. Loud imprecations, wild and fierce, Were vollied forth in tones to pierce The list'ning heavens ; while gathered in Excited groups, with vicious din — The chief has fled, our prey e'scaped To mock the schemes our vengeance shaped — They cried aloud. But soon they grew To dangers calm, then to pursue The fleeing Huron, quickly dashing — With weapons in the sunlight flashing — Their rage, unbounded as the wrath That fills the cyclone's deadly path, Sought madly the accounting cause That thus profaned Muskingum's laws. SCIOTA 65 Shall all our utmost care but givt Him freedom to escape and live? No! Some Apostate's venomed deed Has the relentless chieftain freed. Kalenko's voice at length was heard Above the loud, confounding wrath, His stern command the warriors stirred To speed upon the hostile's path. Some recreant son, Kalenko said, Muskingum's concord has profaned : Our glory to dishonor led And our long line of splendor stained. What worthless soul could thus defame The land that gave him welcome birth; Yield all. ungrudged. to damning shame, And stand before astounded earth In manhood's guise, without a pang, To tell the story of remorse, And treacherous flaunt the venomed fang That consecrates the traitor's course. And now Muskingum's sons must know If home shall be a sacrifice, That grovels to a hated foe, And yields all for a pander's price. 66 SCIOTA No, never! Steadfast never, while High heaven reveals its boundless smile, Shall pitying thought uncertain stray And grant the unction of delay. The craven shall in torture die ; His hated corse shall festering lie The vulture's food, and untold shame Shall cursed enshrine his dastard name, But see ! before her raging sire Stept timid forth Muskingum's maid, Like some sweet spirit from the pyre Of sacrifice. She calmly said No traitor's part, no bargained deed. No act ungenerous have I done ; For I obey but that fond creed Of love which hath devotion won. Thou ! Mighty chieftain, even thou ! — Although thy calmer measures sleep — See'st in my heaven-recorded vow A sacrifice, my faith should keep ; E'en while thy raging mind has planned My death to meet thy dread command. SCIOTA 67 But never, never will I dare The sacrifice of love; I'll share Waconta's fate. Nay, there contains In earth beneath, or skies above, In splendor's gauds, or treasured gains, Naught that can quench my boundless love. From him to part ! forbid it all My hope of heaven's celestial bliss ; \Vith him to live, with him to fall Is joy ; no hope presents like this. Away all ties ! My cherished home Is his fond bosom, there to rest, And joyful find with him to roam, Through worlds of toil, is to be blest. Now do thy worst, thy slaughtering part Shall ne'er thy offspring's bosom quail ; For love shall glow this constant heart, E'en while thy torturing arts assail. Then spake the chief in sorrow's wail. Alas ! th}' parent's heart could break To know, thy country, long so dear, By passion led, thou wouldst forsake, Nor drop one sad, one lingering tear. To know thy curst delusion stills Each patriot thought, and bids forget Our tribe's historic fate that thrills, Nor yields one sigh of fond regret. 68 SCIOTA So, thou must die — unpitied die — And thus atone thy wretched crime ; Thy scattered ashes, lost, shall lie Unwept, unknown, throughout all time. Thus justice shall impressive lend To judgment its avenging part; But with thy passing fate will rend The last fond fiber of my heart. Kalenko ceased, and sadly stept From where the gloomy Avarriors stood ; While round impulsive women wept Their tender souls in sorrow's flood. PART XIII. IAROM 'midst the angered warriors came -■- Shananket, sullen as the night. Yet in his eyes ambition's flame Shone fiercely — as the baleful light Of that dread star whose frigid ray Brings all the ills of nature forth, To sadden our expectant way With chilling: horrors of the North — SCIOTA 69 In lowered but impressive voice He bade the warriors scan the choice 'Twixt he — who tearful judgment gave, And through reluctance doomed its force; With power supreme, yet feared to save. When saving was the nobler course. Whose hesitation to fulfill Reveals his now impotent will — And he. whose ready arm and brain Stands forth to willing champion Muskingum's rights, and thus sustain The fame our fearless arms hath won. Yes, warriors ! know Kalenko's power Is but a memory of the past, And now has come the pregnant hour When fate's unsparing hand has cast Our nation's hope, our peoples' joy, On us to cherish or destroy. This must we do, the maiden save ; Her ashes in an unmarked grave Can ne'er atone our honor lost. Can ne'er repay the monster cost Her treacherous love to us hath given. Better far the bonds were riven That links her to the Huron's soul ; With her my queen, we reach the goal Where wrecked affection will suffice, To make his days enduring pain. His life an endless sacrifice. Nor know ambition's path again. 70 SCIOTA Kalenko, too, must quickly feel The anguish of avenging steel ; Let the dread task on me be laid That sends him to eternal shade. Go, bring him forth from sighs and gloom, And let our council tell his doom. Forth came the chief, majestic still. To hear rebellion's impious will. "Kalenko, list; the die is cast, Muskingum hath thy death decreed. Thy work is done, thy glory past, And from thou, tyrant, we are freed. Now tell the skies thy final prayer And for the sacrifice prepare — Thus howled rebellion from its lair. Then spake the chief-:-his towering crest The bravest, mightiest of the West, Indignant with that pure emotion That tells a patriot life's devotion — "Muskingum, know, rebellion ne'er Brings to the brave one thought of fear ; SCIOTA 71 Nor can a traitor's arts disclose The gallant might of generous foes ; But like the skulking wolf, that prowl 'Mid noxious places, where its howls Awake a kindred clement — 'Tis but corrupting clamor, sent From hell to curse a noble game, And filch some glory chance has lent. And cloud a stolen right with shame. What ! fear the serpent's covert hiss, Although his fangs be poised in wrath? Away ! no warrior's deed is this That hurls the reptile from his path. Thy venom ! Ah ! A feeble thrust That apes the hero's gallant stroke. Thy language lies, whose futile lust Seeks curses to impose thy yoke. Thank heaven my lot, tho" filled with strife, Was cast to dwell an honored life ; And though to war we oft' appealed, 'Twas ever on a glorious field, Where victors cheer, the vanquished cry, The brave triumph, or fearless die : Where, man to man, their prowess test Which is the mightier, which the best. But scenes like these are for the men Whose nobler natures wrong despise ; Not traitors from a reeking den Where all that's treason crested lies. 72 SCIOTA "My soul is ready for the flight That ushers it to endless night ; And while I sing the fatal dirge Upon death's dread, mysterious verge, No hand polluted with thy schemes Shall dare profane thy chieftain's breast Manitou's bolt, with flashing gleams, Shall take me to eternal rest. KALENKO'S DEATH SONG Great Spirit! Thou immortal Master of all ! The portal Of thy glorious home T see With prophetic eyes. When free From afflicting life thy care Eternally I would share. While the long aeons roll From the Zenith to the pole Of the mysterious space. Where thy wondrous coursers race In that stupendous contest Of cosmic power, to rest No more from dutv until SCIOTA 7;, Jn their orbits they fulfill The task imposed by thy will ; There, in thy vast boundless sky, Beneath thy imperial eye Lord, grant I may ever rest. The glory of thy face No thought may hope to trace, For angels shrink the sight! Yet the celestial light Of thy brow, eternal bright. O'er flooding nature — e'en afar Tnto the utmost star — Imparting pulsing life — Thy grandeur slight reveals. Time or distance ne'er conceals Aught nature's course affects ; n^he empire man erects. And with gauds of power decks, Are but a zephyr's breath Before thy will. So the fate Of all Muskingum but await Thv nod. And now I see A wondrous power given me To forecast. To prophecy Muskingum's future destiny. 74 SCIOTA I see the red man's splendor fade 'Neath destiny's relentless rod ; His ax, his bow, his prowess laid Beneath the plain's inglorious sod. No future grand with mighty deeds Shall yet thy fading power revive ; The shadowy legions memory leads Are ijhosts of legends that survive. No more the boundless plains are filled With game to glad the hunters' sight ; The cheer, the warwhoop — all are stilled ; The grave alone asserts its might. Thy names ma}' live, thy names alone The future races yet to tell The tribes that were, to place unknown, And how their fancied glory fell. How all thy splendor, lost by wrong, A savage grandeur yet supplied ; How thou 'mid earth's superior throng- In al)ject suppliance failed and died. SCIOTA 75 I see vast legions speed along, The lightning flashing from their staves — To mercy lost, unchecked of wrong — To fill our land with slaughtered braves. I see the paleface warriors grow In mastery the earth around; Their wardrum's crash, victorious flow. And make your homes historic ground. And now. Muskingum, thy great name No more shall stir a nation's pride ; A threnody! Its questioned fame vShall serve to mark some sluggish tide. The end is reached, the vision dim That heaven permitted is no more, And now I cease the fatal hymn. Lord, take me to thy holy shore ! O, wonders ! From the cloudless sky A bolt transfixed his mighty breast ; Without a struggle, scarce a sigh, Thus passed Muskingum's bravest, best. 76 SCIOTA PART XIV. C^HANxA.NKET, in supreme command, ^^ Sought the maiden's reluctant hand. Her wigwam, long a sacred spot — No youth or elder e'er forgot. The homage due Kalenko's child. Whose thought, whose acts, were vmdefiled- Its precincts were for her alone. Where saddened vigils, all unknown, Were spent, while memory's fragrant tears Revived those happy days of peace — Their light of hope, their cloud of fears, The fortitude that gained release From the soul's chasms. Penitent! Yes, sadly penitent ! That all The hopes she deemed so innocent Were but precedents of a fall That destiny's recording scroll Had marked — for all must patient wait Its page relentless to unroll, SCIOTA 77 And tell the dread decree of fate — So, mem'ry was the only friend The shadows of the past cotdd lend, For memory's pages can unroll The love-born music of the soul. — As in the wind harp's meshes, stored With music's cadence, lingering, — So memory's reviving chord, Quick flashing o'er its vibrant string. Brings to the vision's mental day The far past's quick, responding ray — The future! Ah! What may it bring! Misfortunes greater than the past? Shall traitors rule, shall sorrows wring, Or love triumphing reign at last? Ah, sad ! She could but contemplate The sorrows that her love had brought ; The deeds that cursed Muskingum's state- Rebellion, mad ambition taught ; A mighty parent sacrificed, A noble heart gone forth to death, A soul dishonor ne'er enticed, A patriot with his last drawn breath ; The tribe distracted ! All its past So splendid on historic page. In the rude maze of war o'ercast And shattered by rebellious rage. 78 SCIOTA Thus seemed it to her woman fears That her fond love but curses earned ; The future's brightness, all that cheers, Were to corrupted ashes turned. To her no joy could life unfold, Her quickest peace the charnel mould. AVhile thus her mind distracted flew With unchained thought on vagrant wing, Shananket to her wigwam drew Apeing the gallant — flattering! Fair maid, he said, thy lovely eyes Are not for sorrow ; happy smiles Should wreath thy face, where glowing lies The charms a warrior's heart beguiles. Thou art Muskingum's queen by right! And I its master, too, by might! Together, an unquestioned claim Gives us, throughout this blooming land, The right to rule, a path to fame As monarchs of a noble band More ancient than the lofty hills The wide horizon, guarding, fills. SCIOTA 79 Away ! Away ! The maiden said — And from her face all sorrow fled While came, indignant, withering scorn, And every detestation born From the dark fangs of supreme hate — Away, thou wretch ! The fiends await Thy union with some kindred fiend ; Muskingum's maids through me despise Thy power, all from treachery gleaned, Thy prideful words all withering lies. Thou pander of a nation's worth, Thou slaughterer of all that's just. Sprung from the filth of mongrel birth. Nursed by some outcast wretch's lust. Thou Noble ! Thou? That generous word In thy existence finds no place ; Its resonance hath never stirred The spawn of a degenerate race. U'ith quivering" brow and fearless mien She towered, a denouncing queen. Her form, her voice, her stirring tone. Proclaimed her all of regal birth ; One born by right to share a throne, And guide the destinies of earth. 8o SCIOTA It seemed a hell, a burning hell, From his dark glances hideous fell. His rage, his all-confounding rage, Consumed his language ere his tongue Could frame its words, and cursing wage The conflict truth unfettered wrung. He gained his speech. Thy cursed pride May torture, but it cannot save Thy boasting self ; 'tis I decide ! I am the master, thou the slave ! Thou'lt do my bidding ere the sun Again its daily course hath run. Or thou shalt die — ignobly die — Not by a weapon's honest stroke. But in surpassing horror by Such torture as but fiends invoke. He quit the maid; she faltered never! Her pride sustained. A noble, ever. But ere the sun had passed to rest Behind the shielding mountains' crest, A whispered rumor, scarce defined — Like thistledown upon the wind. Or swarming bees' uncertain hum That gives not warning whence they come- Stole o'er the land, then quickly growing In chorused volume 'till, o'erflowing. Told that a mighty Huron host, Hastening the wilderness around From the bright waters' rugged coast. Came to the South's unconquered ground To dare the deeds that crowns with fame Muskins:um's or the Huron's name. SCIOTA 8i BOOK FOUR. PART XV. ^T> HE morning wakes! The fragrant breeze ^ O'erflows the forest, broad, serene, vVhere bows the penitential trees, Beneath their stoles and crowns of green. The sunlight, filtering through the leaves, Streaks the brown sward with flitting gold, While vines and brambles, massing, weaves The nests and lairs that covering hold The crowding game of that wild place. The treasures of the hunters' chase. Along the aisles and tangled maze Strode silently long ranks of men : Each move, each attitude obeys Some guiding force, responsive when Occasion meets a questioned cause Or some rude task, obstructing, awes. Their stately forms, their haughty brows, Proclaimed the warrior brave and bold — Like those heroic hearts whose vows — The demigods of legends old — Sought the broad ways of honest fight To crush the wrong, to speed the right — 82 SCIOTA Each man arrayed in warlike guise Of feathery fringe and pendant hair ; The painted visage death imphes, Their mighty bosoms broad and bare. The eagle, 'reft of all his pride, Gave to each chief his battle plume, To crown the scalp lock, while each stride, Swaying, foretells its hideous doom. Their arms? For each a well-strung bow, The arrows barbed with glittering stone, The club, the ax of jewel glow, Seemed weapons made for gods alone. Their feet in even measure stept, And each a sure alignment kept, In moccasins trod quick and light Like beasts of pray that prowl at night. Their food and drink, all want defied. The hunters and the streams supplied. Their camp the forest — open, free. The skies alone their canopy. Waconta, ever in advance, Surveyed the ranks with eagle glance ; His active mind, serene and clear. Foresaw each trial and thus became — Resourceful to inspire and cheer The master of this mighty game. SCIOTA 83 And thus day after day they strode Along the wild, uncertain road. Unfaltering as the fated hour That recompensing nature sends, When life beholds its fading power, And the long struggle peaceful ends — At length approached Sciota's side — Whose limpid waters, restless, swelled Southward with ever-growing stride — And on its farther bank beheld A vast plain stretching far away, Unbroken in its wide extent, Where war in all its dread array Could its destructive arts present ; Uncaring, through its grim caress, Which side wins sorrow, which success. Upon the plain's extended verge Muskingum stood in dim array : Their daring scouts spread out to urge. With cursing yells and weapon play, The Huron sentinels to meet The taunting braves, and thus begin The pending fight. They feign retreat With their strategic art. to win The Hurons from the vantage post On which their guarded front extends. The rampart, where the warring host Their vigilance and valor blends. 84 SCLOTA And now upon the plain advancing, Their weapons in the sunlight glancing — Like jewels from the fabled mine, Where sunbeams stolen from the sky Are prisoned, while their souls resign Their splendor and unconscious lie 'Till rescued from the grasp of night, Their pent hearts burst in glowing light- They halt and hurriedly prepare To launch their arroAvs on the air ; Then upward from each bow there sprang, With viper hiss, and vibrant twang, A shaft up curving, mounting higher, Streaked with a ray of living fire Upon the barb, dependent, darting, A moment gleaming, then departing; But now so closely grew the cloud Of flying shafts, they seem'd to shroud The heavens with exulting gloom ; And many a warrior met his doom Beneath the curving, hissing gale : But soon the scourging arrows fail In volume, and in single flight Again they cleave the glinting light. SCIOTA 85 Thus stood they distant, seeming tame, But soon discarding shaft and bow, With vengeful brows, and eyes aflame. Each rushed upon a rushing foe. The cruel ax, unsparing, grew A demon scepter, crashing through Full many a brow and many a breast Sank writhing to eternal rest. The battleclub with fury's dash Met the opposing weapons' crash. Or on some drooping scalplock falling Pitiless, with stroke appalling Crushinsf the human semblance out ; While all around the frenzied shout Rings on the air, and tells the story Of many a brave's departed glory. In groups they fight, and cursing die — In carrion heaps uncared for lie — Or man to man, with panting breath. They war until the arms of death Claim one or both, and as they fall With shrieks of anguish that appall In fury's grapple, demon led, The livinsr stransfled bv the dead. 86 SCIOTA PART XVI. QUICKLY the elemental force Of nature waked ; its hosts began To gather from the mystic source, And all the shuddering sky o'erran ; Upward in awful masses came Cloud piled on cloud, whence shafts of flame Flashed forth a pale, unholy glare In sulphurous torrents on the air; The deep toned thunder, deafning, held A universal concert and swelled In stern, sonorous bass, or flew In rattling vollies, dashing through Responding winds, that grew Appalling, as if world 'gainst world From their far orbits, plucked, were hurled And met in awful crash. And wind Embracing wind, whirling, combined In raging force, and upward flung Gigantic monarch trees, that, wrung From the sustaining earth, were lost In the mad tempest's sport or tossed To the destroying flood. The rain In frightful torrents filled the plain As a vast sea, whose frantic surge Sped on rock and chasm's verge With cataract might through spray and foam 'Till reached some far, mysterious home. SCIOTA 87 And still amid the awful roar Of raging nature insatiate war Its revel held. The vengeful shout Above the thunder's roar pealed out In concert with the furious wind; And torture's shriek, heart wrung, combined With life's departing groans and wail To chill the shuddering air and pale The storm's dark brow, until the light Seem'd like the glare of mid-day night When the bright sun fades, on his path, Beneath some fiend's revolting wrath. Man, emulating devil, grasps His brother man in desperate clasps That death alone may lose and gasps His exultation, e'en as life Floats to the unknown sea, where strife Perchance is more. The maddened rush Of compact bands, relentless, crush The helpless in the murky flood That fills the plain ; disdaining blood. Drowns the immortal spark and drains The being of its lesser pains. Thus the high carnival of woe Was held alike above, below And all about, until the day^, Like many a life, had passed away. 88 SCI OTA O'er the wide plain Waconta raged, A warring host himself, and waged Alone with his untiring arm Victorious strife. No thought of harm Delayed his path, or ever swerved Him from the hope, that constant served, To gi\e him the commanding power To master fate, and bring the hour \\'hen on the blood-stained field he'd meet — Ere fortune yet assigned defeat To either host — Muskingum's chief Shananket. and in contest brief Decide, as paused the battle roar, Their fate in love, their fame in war. Though hundreds fell beneath his wrath, Yet hundreds more still blocked the path. And \'ain the effort to fulfill This anxious measure of his will. Just then. Muskingum's legions quailed Before the Hurons' battling might ; Their ranks were crushed, their prowess failed, They saw defeat's polluting night When fickle victory, fleeing, gave Her smiles to cheer the Huron brave. . SCIOTA 89 Waconta, all his soul aflame, Looking triumphant o'er the plain — As c^aze of some famed hero rolls O'er the red field victorious striven Then leaves the fruit to lesser souls And flies to love's awaiting heaven — So hastened his impatient stride To where Muskingum's loved abide. Alas ! few were there left to wield A weapon in defense ; the field Of war their force demands above All other thought; e'en mighty love Beheld its empire fail, when war Pealed its wild notes inviting o'er. Fierce was his speed ! His eagle plume Flashed out amid the falling gloom — The Huron beacon to demand Obedience to a chief's command. There in the eve's retiring light Three braves beheld the plume afar Float dimly on the breast of night — Like some far distant rising star — Then quick they followed on the way — Sought by \^^aconta's anxious speed.— To aid the chief and end the day With one supreme triumphant deed. 90 SCIOTA Right onward now they fearless pressed, — Heedless of aught that dared oppose, To gain the spot, by love caressed, Where dwelt Muskingum's blooming rose; At last within a wigwam's shade, Guarded and bound they found the maid. A moment's struggle with the guard, A few fierce strokes, the deed was done. Whence valor gained its just reward Of victory and love was won. The cruel thongs were rent apart, The maid to fond VVaconta's heart Was clasped, and hope's bright ray Again beamed o'er their troubled wa3^ Ah hope ! Thou fairest light of heaven- Born in the realms of sweet content — Thy holy power, celestial given To aid thy handmaid, faith, is sent To minister to doubt and strife, ']Mid failing hearts supremely sad. And bring the festal charms of life. To blooming vistas bright and glad. 'Twas thus the restless Huron knew, The pangs of long-sustained delay, And those expectant joys that grew To torture, 'neath the lingering sway ; 'Till hope within his soul became An impulse fraught with blissful care. While memory's restoring flame Inscribed its halo constant there. SCIOTA 91 PART XVII. THE storm had passed, and calmly o'er The brow of night the moon beams pour A soft, bright flood of beauty, that Lhiburnished on the verdure sat And bathed each leaf with dripping light Steeped in the fragrant breath of night. Into the woods the Hurons turned Their leisure steps, and naught discerned 'J'hat bade them haste ; those sounds alone That gather in the misty zone Of night, breathed with the wind, were heard The vampire darting, or some bird Of prey in flight, or zephyr's breath, But stirred a silence as of death. Onward throughout the summer eve The Huron warriors calmly trod. Like acol3'tes that mystic weave Bright chaplets for their woodland god, Whose sylvan empire, stretched afar. In the night's languor patient lies, Waiting the morn's imperial star To 'ope the gates of paradise. Hand clasped in hand, the chief and maid — Their hearts with love's light fondly glowing- Along the leafy pathway strayed, Hope future's endless joys bestowing. 92 SCIOTA The warriors, subdued and calm. Marched silently the way along ; The night's soft shadows seem'd a balm That stilled their souls' triumphant song. And yet each heart rejoicing throbbed With exultation of success. Knowing their gallant arms had robbed Fate of its dread adverse caress. But hark ! A yell of doubt and fear, It seem'd a Huron's desperate voice! And now a wild victorious cheer ! Muskingum, canst thou still rejoice? Yes fortune in her fickle mood With frowns the Hurons now pursued ; Scarce had Waconta quit the field Than, rallied from ignoble flight, Muskingum's braves again appealed To fortune and renewed the fight. Charged ! And the Hurons, rent in twain, Were crushed and scattered o'er the plain. The sound upon Waconta's ear — Like a lost soul's despairing knell — Revealed its tale of harrowing fear That Huron's might, ignobly fell Before a nation long despised. When victory, too, its meed had gained, And all the fruits by valor prized, Now but a foeman's spoil remained. SCIOTA 93 At length the chief in anguish said, Our Huron braves, to honor lost, Before Muskingum's arms have fled, Heedless of all that victory cost, While we, an atom of our host, Must bear the brunt of battle still. Sustain our tribe's heroic boast. And our long vaunted course fulfill ; Or else degenerate braggarts, prove The scolY of all that's true and brave. Unworthy of a generous love. Unworthy of a patriot's grave. Shall we, although in numbers few, Yield our proud manhood to a foe, Whose chief, through rank rebellion, drew His traitor warriors to bestow The eagle plume, that fits his state As bravely as the fetid crest That crowns the vulture, when elate. It glowers o'er its carrion nest. Never! Ah, never can we live In infamy and be despised. 94 SCIOTA Never ! While heaven our homes can give The holy flame, devoutly prized, Of Liberty that purely burns With freedom's radiance, to sustain The slave that to its altar turns And worships its immortal reign. Ah, warriors ! We must now prepare To meet the front of coming woe, To die as only brave men dare Entombed amid the fallen foe. There is a duty to fulfill, Ere yet we dare Muskingum's band; Ne'er should our steps know rest until, Safe placed within some friendly land, This loving maid — the only shred Of righteousness Muskingum knew — By our strong arms is gently led To safety's haven, where the true. The brave, the just, content reside In happy homes unknown to strife ; \\'here industry and peace allied. Are monitors of honored life. SCIOTA 95 A hearty cheer burst from each tongue Of these serene devoted men — Re-echoing Hke a paean sung By bright, adoring spirits when Freed from the chains of Hfe's delay, They speed on heaven's eternal way — Yes ! fearless as the tempest bird That circles in the wind clouds' van — By shrieking thunder undeterred, It flaunts the storm's affrighting ban — They glad demand the danger post — A human rampart to defy The warring braves the battling host — And beg the generous task to die Heroic in the fond defense Of that sweet soul of innocence. Through the long night they bravely toiled. Heedless of time's unsparing flight. And all their woodcraft art ne'er foiled — Muskingum's swift pursuing might. Whose warwhoops through the woods about Resounded with vindictive glee. While over all the vengeful shout Told of a holocaust to be, When in the snare of withering flame Dies all that's crreat of Hurons' name. 96 SCIOTA PART XVIII. ABOVE the path the braves pursue The night dissolves ! To speedy view, Softly, in humid beauty breaks The fragrant dawn ! Silent awakes Bright nature's smile o'er earth and sky ! Upon its azure course on high, In merry chase of blushing morn, The sun speeds glowing, to adorn With beauty the responding earth. From this caress a wondrous birth To nature, in her pregnant hours Is given, through blooming love that hath Offsprings of fruits and budding flowers, Born to enrich and grace her path. But now. alas ! 'tis only wrath The Huron braves around them see ; A desperate hope alone, to flee. Opes the one gate to liberty ; Or shall they beg a few short years Of bartered safety from the foe. Lose hope, and all that life endears. And live a monument of woe — To teach the scoffing braves how well A dastard's life may be a hell — SCIOTA 97 Or like the godly men that dwelt Unsullied, while the pagan yoke Their faith assailed, wdio calmly knelt And sought with joy the deadly stroke; Ere one small shred of their belief, One atom of religious truth, Wrest from their breasts by torture's grief, Wrest from their hearts by pleading youth, Was given reluctant, to escape Death in its most revolting shape — Yes, they must seek the nobler course And dare Muskingum's raging force ; For there is one defense remains — Muskingum's arms can ne'er deny — To l)attle fierce while life sustains, 'J'hen die as but the brave can die. No timid prayer, no anxious plaint From the bright maiden's lips was wrung, But ever}^ trial, with proud restraint, Remained untold ; with blessing tongue She spoke the words alone to cheer, To brighten and delight the way, To soothe, to comfort and endear The hope for yet a happier day. 98 SCIOTA And though impending doom, assailed Each moment with profound despair, Her fortitude, her love prevailed To make each toil a joy appear. Ah, like a spirit bright and fair, — That from a glowing paradise Wings her fond way to loving share The sorrows, that unspoken, lies Within the breasts of those brave men Who stake their lives and honor, when Fate to a generous duty calls. Succeeds, and then forgotten falls — She seem'd ; and still she gently strove To make the fated hours depart With sad content, and nobly prove, Heroic, each devoted heart. Now in the golden summer morn. Smiling in beauty calm and bright, The fleeing Hurons, jaded, worn With the night's long, incessant flight, Rested upon a blooming plain, — Whose sun-kissed verdure fragrant waved, Like Huron's broad, untiring main. Whose gleaming waves, caressing laved Her lovely isles, which seem'd to rest, Bright jewels on the waters' breast — SCIOTA 99 Majestic in their far repose Vast hills upon the verge arise, Eternal ramparts that inclose The wanton charms of Western skies. 'Twas but to snatch a moment's rest — From the wild chase the foemen urge — And thus revived, to gain the crest That guards the plain's extended verge ; Beyond those heights, a smiling land, Miami's peaceful home extends, Where great Manitou's loving hand In stintless measure, fruitage lends To cheer and bless ; a refuge sent By heaven to give the lost content. But fate, it seems, remorseless still. Teaches their cheering hopes are vain ; No path beyond the mighty hill Gives access to Miami's plain. Thus said the maid : "Full well I know "This spot, where oft' in peace I've strayed; "And ne'er did nature's hand bestow "A sight more dread ; for here arrayed "Are scenes of awful grandeur more "Impressive than the maddened rush "Of the wild waters, speeding o'er "Plutonic caverns, while they crush "Their masses to a foamy cloud, "With tones that shriek and thunder loud "Through chasm'd rapids, as they hurl "Their flood to some devourins: whirl. loo SCIOTA "Just at the mountain's summit ends "All that a footstep may sustain, "And straight as yon barbed shaft descends "Its barren sides — so smooth that vain "The wild bird in its bounding flight "Seeks out some rift, some point or ledge "To rest its pinions, and invite "Its mate to weave the nesting pledge. "Down, down beyond the vision, still "Extends its vast, unfurrowed side, "'Till at its base with speeding thrill "Rolls foaming on Sciota's tide. "Alas ! Alas ! No further now "May our worn footsteps painful speed; "To fate's dread mandate must we bow, "And from the toils of earth be freed. "'Tis but a moment's agony "That we may feel to pass away ; "'Tis but a change of scenes, to be "Enfranchised to the home of day. "Aye ! Brave thou art, none braver, none, "Nor wilt thou care existence lost, "For thou hast won, yes, nobly won "The hero's bays, although 'twill cost "Thy gallant youth's aspiring years "Unwept, unbalmed by memory's tears." SCIOTA loi PART XIX. SHE ceased! And to the valiant youths, Her words were like that balm from flowers Distilled by love, that potent soothes The blessed in Manitou's bowers. Alas, 'tis so ! Waconta said. But bitter 'tis to know, that I Have thro' my love's persuasion led Thee to this strait to fade and die — Like some bright flower, whose tender life Fits it alone for gentle care, To bloom in peace, to fade in strife, And leave but mem'ry's fragrance here. Naught now but our strong arms remain To meet Muskingum's ruthless power. And tho' the struggle be in vain Yet 'twill be vict'ry, when the hour Of doom arrives, for 'neath a pall Of foeman we shall gallant fall. Quick to yon glen, where rocks of gloom Guards the unhallowed space within, Like portals of some ancient tomb, Where ashes of imperial sin Lies fallow, to enrich the mould That battens in the charnel fold. I02 SCIOTA They gathered in the narrow glen — Alike a refuge and a grave — Those few but bold heroic men To wait the foe ; they proudly wave Their war plumes to the morning sun, And with unfaltering voice intone Their battle song, their deeds that won Such proud success, that now alone They scorn their tribe's declining star, And dare the game of hopeless war. In throngs Muskingum's hordes appear; With war yell and resounding cheer They spread their force and soon surround The glen, and from their vantage ground Launch their long shafts, embarbed with fire- More searching than the bitter ire Of that dark spirit, whose intent To wreck Manitou's firmament Through kindred rebels' aid accurst ; Hurled from high heaven, to hell dispersed, There, bound within the lesser zone. They turned their wrath on earth alone — SCIOTA lo; The hissing" shafts in darting curves Searches the chasm's utmost parts, While ax or club as missile serves To swell the wrath of maddened hearts. But instant to the foe again The weapons dart a quick return To fall like some devasting rain Of sulph'rous rage, to blast and burn In the fierce battle's withering breath Breathed by the conquering monster death. Ah, many a fallen foeman lies Dying beneath the pitying skies. And many a warrior's sanguine tide — Who yelling" fought, and cursing died — Gave to the jjrairie's thirsty sward, Its vital spark, to fettered rest, Until by pregnant time restored Life leaps new born from nature's breast. Ah 'twas a gallant battle ! Fought So bravely, yet with such vast odds ; ' J'was like those wondrous contests sought. Unselfish, by celestial gods — W'ho in the golden days, long flown — To give to earth their generous might — Resigned the mounts imperial throne, And risked their heaven to aid the right — I04 SCIOTA But ah, those brave hearts ! Leaguered in The glen — That all too soon must be A charnel, where alone may win That frightful spirit, whose decree A final judgment must remain To give eternal joy or pain — Like masters of some solid keep They're calm, as when beside the lake, They thoughtless watched the wavelets leap Along the moonlight's silvery wake — The fatal dirge their tongues recall. Unshaken by a tremor's thrill. To tell how nobl}^ men may fall. When duty calls them to fulfill A hopeless task, which yet may prove How holy is a patriot's love. They sang with voices loud and high. That floated o'er the summer sky. The song of death wdiose cadence stirred To ecstacy ; the final word. Though bright and cheerful as the day That beamed so fair, a sadness yet Breaks through its accents, to betray The hopes that vouth cannot forget. SCIOTA 105 Farewell! Farewell! A long- farewell To those few happy years Spent in the height of youths' delight, Whose meni'ry still endears Each scene, where oft' we sportive strayed In pleasure's vagrant thrill, Where fancy's lead or thoughtless deed But shaped unheeding will. No more o'er lake or wood we'll rove In idle mood, that knew No higher aim than stalk the game Or speed the light canoe. No more in evening's fragrant glow We greet the peace again, W'hich fond hearts sent to give content To love's entrancing pain. No more behold the summer night, Where oft' the pendant moon The mountain tips in silver dips, And all the woodland soon Lies in a broad efifulgent glow. Which gleams still brighter, through The radiant gem of leaf and stem Dripped o'er with sparkling dew. io6 SCIOTA ^flftvi^ No more the streams thro' meadows glide Like belts of burnished light, **¥rH*ei^ bursts of flame in cataracts came, That dared the reign of night. No more the woodbine scents the breeze, Or wild arbutus blooms In early spring, to trail and cling In fragrance o'er the tombs Of those who've gone to mark the way Which our footsteps must tread — Who silent lies, yet gained the prize Of tears in reverence shed. No more we'll lead the warlike charge, Or from the raging van, Dash on the foe with ax and bow And battle man with man. For now no more the voice of hope Shall future glories tell ; Our days are fled, our joys are dead — Farewell ! Farewell ! Farewell ! They ceased ! The heavens seem'd to pale As echoed o'er the hopeless tale. SCIOTA 107 PART XX. T~) AGING! Muskingum's warriors grew -■-^ In valor desp'rate, for their arms But slight impress and useless strew The glen about, while naught alarms The steady braves. At length the rain Of missiles from the crowded plain In such repeated volumes flow, That clubs and rocks in masses grow It seem'd to monumental height, Until, as though the sorrowing light Of Heaven was dimmed to pallid night. Thus fought the}^ on 'till one by one, The Huron braves, their duty done, Beneath the weight of missiles fell ; And in the shadow of that dell Earth ne'er beheld a braver scene. Where hopeless men unselfish toiled — A few brave youths with hearts serene, A thousand desp'rate warriors foiled — O, it was wond'rous to behold ! 'Twas like some glorious tale of old When one great heart, enarmed with rights Put hvmdreds to is^noble flisfht. 108 SCIOTA At last within the striv-en glade Breathed but the chieftain and the maid, While climbing o'er the rampart rock Muskingum's men, unnumbered, flock ; \Miose missiled weapons, searching, rends The lone spot where the chief defends His loved one. She, undaunted, clings To his great form. Her voice ne'er rings With fear's lament ; but her brave eyes, Shining with holy love, defies The crowding braves. Like some fair saint Sent forth by heaven, to faithful share A martyr's grave, no mortal plaint The agony reveals ; no care Of self or pain dims the bright crown By sacrificial jewels decked; No fear invites Manitou's frown. Nor dares the ark of virtue wrecked. But now. behold ! Fate destines all. The great the less at length to fall. And meet eternal joy or woe ; A shaft sped from a coward's bow Sadly transfixed the maiden's breast ; The warrior ceased ! The lover pressed Her dear form in his arms, and tears Rained from his eyes that countless years Of constant torture had not won ; SCIOTA 109 His strife was o'er, his arm had done Its last brave deed; 'till forth a hand. Was stretched to grasp a silken strand Which crowned that loved, that sacred head. Then raged the chief, the lover fled, He dashed the crowding foe apart, He clasped the loved form to his heart. And towering o'er the shrinking braves, His gleaming ax triumphant waves. Back ! Back ! Ye fiends, ne'er shall a hand Profane this form of sacred birth While I have weapon to command, While Heaven reposes o'er the earth, He cried. And with her loved form pressed, Turned, dashed towards the mountain's crest. no SCIOTxV The foemen follow fast and fierce, And speed their darting shafts that pierce His great form o'er. With fading strength. Until the mountain's top at length Is gained, he speeds, and on its verge Stands fearless, while he sings the dirge Of death ; then from his bosom tore A shaft encrimsoned with the gore Of life, and fitted to his bow, Launched it full on the coming foe; It found Shananket's heart. And then Pealed forth his warcry o'er the glen, The mountain top, the rocks, the plain — A hero's challenge, fearless given, That dares release from living pain. To seek the solemn path to heaven. Then with the maiden to his breast He sprang, and o'er the mountain crest, Like lost stars falling in the night, They sank beyond the shuddering sight. SCIOTA III EPILOGUE. Oft' times on Sciota, when the wave ripples dance To the whippoorwill's song" in the evening's repose, And the setting sun flashes a vanishing' glance O'er the heavens that blush with tints of the rose, At a spot where vast rocks reach up to the clouds, And a river flows wildly beneath, in the gloom Of a vale, where the shadows, subduing, enshrouds All its weird surrounding with hue of the tomb. Come the youth of Miami, and soft — in the shade Of the sad willow tree that hangs weepingabove — The legends repeat of the chieftain and maid — How he battled for right, how they died for their love. Then they gather the flowers that spangle the breast Of the bountiful prairie, and strew on the wave A tribute, made holy by tears, to the rest Of the pure souls that sleep in their lone, watery grave. 112 SCIOTA Then the moon, mountin.^ vip o'er the hills far away, Shoots a stray glance of light, the shadows among, And over the vale, scarce illumed by the ray, A soft, fragrant haze is mysteriously flung; Then the voice of the river is hushed, and the notes Of the night songsters cease, and robed in the haze The forms of the lovers in dim beauty floats. To fade when the gentle moon brightens her rays. And oft' when the hurricane rages about. And the deep thunders bellow and rattle on high ; 'Mid the elements' warfare a loud, ringing shout Seems to roll o'er the mountain and float to the sky : And the shuddering braves in their wigwams around, As they list to the echoes o'erwhelm'd in affright. Again hear the Hurons' death cry in the sound, Again see their forms in a meteor's flight From the dim mountain top, where the storm speeds along, Down, down to the gulf where the wild torrent flows : Then the tempest slow dies to the vanishing song Of a requiem pealed o'er the lovers' repose. THE END. stp 12' me- / :■•:■! X[.vi:iK-:'-X:ti,':,ivi^;;.#JS m'm^' m0m liiiii .;;<''\C<":^'v!i!'|'' 'iliii '""'■''■iM^iif LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 871 620 3