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 A ROMANCE OF A SCENE 
 
 ON 
 
 LAKE PEPIN, MINNESOTA. 
 
 C 1871 
 
 WRITTEN BY F. HOLDORF, 
 
 SAINT JOSEPH, MISSOURI, 
 
 1869 and 1870. 
 
 Coiimoseil into an Original American Opera in 1870 and 1871, 
 
 :/ /^'yVVXV 
 

LOVER'S LEAP 
 
 ON 
 
 Maiden Rock 
 
 1 Annand Bourbon, a French noble banished, 
 
 Came to Canada's vast realms to hunt ; 
 With the Indians to roam "vvho vanquished 
 
 All the white men, ^vith their weapons blunt. 
 
 2 Came as sportsman, when he first brought presents 
 
 To Tang-Uh, the Cherokee Chief, 
 Was adorned by a crown of pheasants, 
 And a collar made of eaglewings. 
 
 3 Then the peace-pi]ie was to smoke, him given, 
 
 Tang-Uh called his warriors all to meet, 
 And the squaws who were to frenzy driven 
 By the pale-face, crowded round his seat. 
 
 4 While the war-dance, with terrible fury, 
 
 With the gestures of victorious joy, 
 And the tocsins warlike noise and music 
 
 Rose their pride and scorn extremely high. 
 
 5 Fire dashing from their sparkling ej'es, 
 
 Black like tigers, and like panthers wild. 
 Yelling, shoiting, with unearthly noise. 
 
 Dreadful threatening at the stran2:er's child. 
 1 
 
LOVEK 8 LEAP 
 
 6 Bourbon looked in awe and silent wonder 
 
 At this miuiic in their w^ar arraj^ 
 Shouting- like tlie distant roar of thunder 
 Gave an idea how in war their sway. 
 
 7 Paris, Annand's son, some five years aged, 
 
 Closely clinging to his father's knees. 
 
 Having seen how^ Tang-TJh peace had }jledged, 
 
 Curiously enough looked at their reels. 
 
 8 Paris Bourbon, quite his father's picture, 
 
 Had inherited his noble heart ; 
 Fearless, speechless, motionless he whispered, 
 When they brandished knives in warlike art. 
 
 9 "Whispered : demonlike those fiends view me, 
 
 Threatening cruelty for idle sport. 
 "What if really these devils slew me ? 
 
 Pa w^ould have my vengeance swiftly sought, 
 
 10 So he arose, and quietly crossing arms, 
 
 Looked defiantlj^ on wiiile the}^ danced ; 
 And to all their vain and fierce alarms, 
 
 Smiled till all exhausted had advanced. 
 
 tX Tang-ITh boldly caught him, and extending 
 
 His right arm, placed on his hand his feet ; 
 Stepped to Armand quiet and unoffending 
 Placed then Paris back on his low seat, 
 
 18 And commenced by signs and various motions. 
 
 To express to Armand his delight. 
 And to show him friendship and devotion. 
 Had his daughter placed at Paris' side. 
 
 13 Ivy V. had seen but a few summers. 
 
 Papoose-like, was strung tight on a board, 
 And her anns and feet, like sticks of drummers 
 In their sash, were fastened by a cord. 
 
 14 Tang-Uh then made motion both should marr}^ 
 
 So their friendship should forever last. 
 And as Paris seemed not shy nor sorry. 
 
 He commenced to make accj,uaintance fast. 
 
 15 So their childhood swiftly passed together. 
 
 Brother-like loved Paris, I\y V., 
 Exposed to storm, to rain, or any weather, 
 Like the Indians wild and daring, he. 
 
ON MAIDEN ROCK. 
 
 16 From the skies his arrow fetched the eagle, 
 
 Bear and panther killed his traant knife, 
 Fearless, daring, on the warpath, legal 
 In their councils — gallantly in strife. 
 
 17 Thus his name was far and glorious known 
 
 'Mongst the tribes in contact brought with his 
 Magnanimity to enemies shown 
 
 Made them call his name in awe and bliss. 
 
 18 But the Sioux, in constant strife with neighbors, 
 
 Beat again the tocsin of alarm. 
 And the Cherokees, who had commenced to labor, 
 Driven from their tields were with great harm. 
 
 19 Tang-Uh then at once called all his warriors, 
 
 Armand Bourbon was made second chief. 
 All the squaws round camps had to build barriers, 
 Great at Paris' parting was their grief. 
 
 20 Paris was the leader of the young braves, 
 
 Long distinguished equally by all, 
 And led on in numbers, like the sea-waves 
 Blew the plumage on their figures tall. 
 
 21 Ivy v., whose beauty praised and honored, 
 
 Like her wisdom war by distant tribes, 
 Was not loved by Paris, and all wondered 
 How he could resist the fire of her eyes. 
 
 22 Of all the wonders on wide earth, 
 
 In love or sorrow ever moved, 
 Is none so great as human heart, 
 
 Thus his a problem to him proved. 
 
 23 On a mission to the tribe of Delawares, 
 
 With Tang-Uh and several other braves. 
 He had met a young squaw blond and fliir. 
 With a feeling love only vouchsafes. 
 
 24 Pangs and sighs delight and joy all changing 
 
 Held his being wonderfully charmed, 
 And when all their pony's were arranging. 
 
 She at him stretched, mindful both her arms. 
 
 25 Tears, still unknown strangers to his eyes, 
 
 Betrayed emotions to him dear. 
 And when he trembling, met her sighs 
 The first time he felt dread and fear. 
 
LOYEK S LEAP 
 
 26 AVhite Cloud, her father held her senseless 
 
 When Lily White from Paris turned, 
 To him his miseiy seemed endless, 
 
 While he his pony homeward spumed. 
 
 27 Yet ever after, did her picture follow 
 
 Him, henceforth as with brightest hope, 
 And mingling now with courage, sorrow. 
 This war left expectation scope. 
 
 28 So furiously the Sioux he does encounter, 
 
 Most their young by him were bravely slain, 
 When his father dangerously wounded, 
 
 Had him called where dying he was lain. 
 
 29 Paris did receive his forewell blessing, 
 
 Felt like all that dear to him was gone, 
 Tang-Uh, who had seen him so distressing, 
 Could not make him leave the corpse alone. 
 
 30 So he was made by the Sioux, captive. 
 
 Who victoriously drove the Cherokees, 
 Otherwise by nature spright and active, 
 
 Overpowered by grief did find him these. 
 
 31 And they took of Annand's pierced body 
 
 Like their own Chiefs, gentle care, 
 Paris' sorrow conquered their glory. 
 
 Now their prisoner although he were. 
 
 33 And in triumph did they bury Armand, 
 
 While their whole camp was in mourn ; 
 Then Black Raven took our Paris' hand, 
 When all eastward did their faces turn. 
 
 33 " See," he says, " On yonder darkening sky, no^v 
 
 Seemingly to-night and darkness doomed, 
 
 There 3'ou'll see lit up bright morning^s brow. 
 
 So will live he whom we now entombed." 
 
 34 Yonder sun, whose setting rays beliind us, 
 
 Has but left us to return anew. 
 Though the spirit in his wisdom blind us, 
 Bright will be the future we shall vieAv. 
 
 35 AVarrior-like, thou hadst our men defeated. 
 
 Son-like, hast thou proved a wortliier brave, 
 But thy whole 1-ribe ought to have remitted 
 Thy great loss, and made thy conciuest safe. 
 
ox MAlDilN liOCK. 
 
 /•) 
 
 36 Go then hence, the best of all thy brethren, 
 
 Thou art free to go where thou art pleased, 
 But if thou preferest, with us remain, 
 By thy loss our enmity has ceased. 
 
 37 Kind, he answered, noble is thy ofler, 
 
 As a guest, I will with you remain, 
 Here to mourn until the snow will cover, 
 Yonder spot, where was my father slain. 
 
 38 Still Indian Sunnner cast its golden hue. 
 
 On foliage radiant with the gayest colors, 
 While on the sftd melancholy it threw j, ^ 
 
 That dusky shade of deathlike ashy palor. 
 
 39 When he left, the Oto's had been fighting 
 
 With the Delawares, who had been beat, 
 And the news did spread all tribes like lightning, 
 Their whole tribe was routed in defeat. 
 
 40 All their sqiia^vs, and all their booty taken, 
 
 Lily W^hite was hostage made to peace. 
 Away from home and by all friends forsaken, 
 Claimed by Flying Raven, the Oto's chief. 
 
 41 Homeward, meant to turn his steps, first Paris, 
 
 News of Lilly White decided him, 
 Northward turning where the lonely star is. 
 To the Otoe's hunting grounds to swim, 
 
 42 'Yond the river, on the lake Ontario, 
 
 Whence thej*^ had been driving out the Utes, 
 Did he meet some, hunting buffalo. 
 
 Lively round a camp-fire in the woods. 
 
 43 Unexpected, unawares, upbearing. 
 
 Silent did his erect form appear. 
 In all fights victorious, no one fearing. 
 
 With no weapons but arrow and si)eer. 
 
 44 But his head did wear the crown of pheasants, 
 
 'Round his neck the row of eagle wings, 
 Snakeheads, rattles on his belt were presents, 
 Bear claws necklace, panther teeth on rings. 
 
 45 All these marks of the distinguished warrior, 
 
 Even added was the black elk's tail, 
 'Twas the mark for supernatural valor, 
 3Iade them eve him silentlv with awe. 
 
lovek's leap 
 
 46 Quietly he viewed the camp around them, 
 
 And like by a higher magic power 
 Saw the flash that once the heart did wound him, 
 Yonder, w^here two oaks had formed a bower. 
 
 47 There stood Lily White, chaiTaed by a vision, 
 
 And transported as her eye met his, 
 Quick he laid, resolved to a decision. 
 His fore-finger quietly on his lips. 
 
 48 This, the sign of eager, w^atchful silence. 
 
 Did insure her, liberty in view, 
 •Then she saw the mark that they would fly hence, 
 By a circle which round him he drew. 
 
 49 Flying Eaven that day had met a couguar. 
 
 Whom he aimed at for his wedding meal, 
 And prepared already was his wigwam. 
 
 Where her charms his sighing heart should heal. 
 
 50 But the animal had chased some ant'lope. 
 
 Which unhurt by Flying Raven's speer. 
 He swiftly jumped for, in his lively scope. 
 Leading off his hunter, not much scared. 
 
 51 So the night seemed suited, Paris' Purpose, 
 
 Silently he took the pipe extended him. 
 And before another time the sun rose. 
 
 Back with Lily White, the river through he swam. 
 
 53 St. Lorenzo kindly bore the lovers. 
 
 Sweetest burden ever waves did bear, 
 Flying on, another night soon covers 
 Eveiy trace, and banishes all fear. 
 
 53 Then westward turning, Paris sped his steps, 
 
 Pledges of old to Ivy V., evading. 
 For Tang-Uh w^ould by force made good his pledge, 
 In Paris' childhood made by honest way of trading. 
 
 54 Thus Niagara came before the night. 
 
 Deep between walls of rocks in their view, 
 A barrier seemed to them at first its sight. 
 
 Till to the falls their bustling noise them drew. 
 
 55 Here, swiftly through the rocks and bushes sliding, 
 
 To ward off Flying Raven's sure pursuit. 
 Remained for a full month, our lovers hiding. 
 Behind the terrors of the cloudy flood. 
 
ON MAIDEN ROCK. 
 
 56 The ancient Greeks their dreadful Orkns painted, 
 
 Where guilt was swallowed by the Charyhdis, 
 Our heroes took this Orkus, Asyl sainted, 
 And for their bridal chamber this abyss. 
 
 57 Such music never graced the richest love feast, 
 
 Sublimely horrible and s^'eetly charmed, 
 Like ^ols harps, the white cloud in their mitpst, 
 With raging thunder and M'itli lightning armed. 
 
 58 While winter is surrounding nature's grandeur, 
 
 Eternal motion keeps it here at bay. 
 To them this coverlid wove by sweet nature, 
 
 Was sure protection through the season's stay. 
 
 59 And through the rocks with frosted foam bedecked, 
 
 Still showered on by thousands, fiilling clouds 
 On mossy tops, canying their whigs erect. 
 
 Beneath them wafting are the snowy shrouds. 
 
 60 This icy, boiling, glittering, falling flood. 
 
 Above, in front, below them shielding safe, 
 And so well suited to their kindred mood. 
 Impressing grandeur, majesty and awe. 
 
 61 Was ever veil for love so fitly woven ? 
 
 Were ever angels hid more eatherlike ? 
 Love unspeakable, mutually was bestown 
 By natures horrors witnessed, sanctified. 
 
 62 Each morning thus the golden rays did brighten. 
 
 Our lovers' cave through myriads crj^stal drops, 
 And every night pale moon through steam would heighten 
 To brilliant palace their abode of love. 
 
 63 So for a month, protected by the elements. 
 
 They thought of parting from the gracious home, 
 The winter threatening now with all vehemence, 
 Did mind them of a more congenial zone. 
 
 64 A long farewell glance throwing on the falls, 
 
 They slid away, and southward turning, 
 Linked now by dearest ties the heart enthralls, 
 Still on, their strides for safety spurning. 
 
 65 And Lily White, close clinging to her Paris, 
 
 Demands from him the sacred sworn vow, 
 Though life of both should be in jeopardy, 
 Never to leave her any more alone. 
 
i^ LOVKKS LEAl^ 
 
 (56 And liardlv liad the sun Ids proiiiisp witnessed, » 
 
 Than Flying Raven's traces did appear, 
 Wlien he returned and Lily White was missed, 
 Jlis boundless rage made all his people fear. 
 
 (57 By strongest oaths, he swore there were no rest, 
 
 To him or any of his friendly chiefs, 
 Till by4ier sight again his heart were blessed, 
 He well revenged on her so gallant thief. 
 
 G8 So had he roamed, no sleep closing his eyes, 
 
 With all his tribe in hot and wild pursuit, 
 His awful curses changing with his sighs, 
 Languidly doomed to his jealous mood. 
 
 69 Thus never did to him the thought appear. 
 
 The falls could flying lovers screen, 
 The distant thoif^^ht, so safely harbored near, 
 
 *' On unknown distance human hopes will lean." 
 
 70 Our fugitives oft on the ground would listen, 
 
 Sometimes excitement's wildest fancy's full. 
 In a brook's still murmur, or dr}^ oak leaves' whistle, 
 A danger feahng was their troubled soul. 
 
 71 Xo fire would in winter's strength they kindle, 
 
 For smoke would them to enemies betray, 
 In mountain caves the}' sometimes months would linger, 
 Silent, afeard, patient in cautious swaj-. 
 
 73 Tlie spcer, the bow had so far procured booty. 
 
 Their hunger was fmgalitys best spice, 
 I^aris assumed husband's providing dut}-, 
 And eager ventured for a venison slice. 
 
 73 One morning cliasing up a deer with kittens. 
 
 He strayed beyond his wish, in hot pursuit, 
 Out from a bush a bear did sliow his mittens, 
 Assaulting Paris with a dreadful grunt. 
 
 74 Erect, Petz on his hind legs, gnashed his teeth 
 
 And stretched his forepaws like in sweet embrace, 
 As swift did Paris have his knife unsheathed. 
 
 Its fearless destiny his heart, the weakest place. 
 
 75 His left hand quickly struck between the eyes, 
 
 His right did plunge the steel into the heart, 
 A heavy groan, a tremble and some sighs, 
 
 His paws still grasping whirling in the sod. 
 
ON MAIDEN HOCK. 
 
 76 There was an unseen witness standing by, 
 
 Of slender form althougli it seemed a man, 
 Eagerly searching with a watchful eye, 
 
 Hiding quite near the bear's brush-hidden den. 
 
 77 That stem, excited, moment's wild ecstacy. 
 
 Had even overpowered strong Paris' nen'cs, 
 When suddenly an unknoAvn fierce anxiety 
 For Lily White, did seize him with alarm. 
 
 78 Unconscious of himself he traced his steps, 
 
 Swift sliding through the bmsh along the rock, 
 Back to the cave wliere he his bride had left, 
 Vacant to find her seat, there on a rock. 
 
 71J She too liad slipped from safely sheltering cave, 
 
 Where lie could trace her steps some distance on, 
 On yonder hill he saw a banner wave, 
 
 The wind transferred her voice ' .^e sweetest song. 
 
 80 She had at some times listened on the ground, 
 
 She lieard a rustle in a thicket near, 
 And watchful, heard a human voice's sound, 
 'TAvas not her Paris' voice, to her so dear. 
 
 81 She then saw two of Flying Raven's warriors 
 
 Hide near the cave, protected by the brush, 
 They sneaked around with foul intentions — terrors 
 To trace her Paris, whom the bear would crush. 
 
 82 She then did follow eagerl}- their movements, 
 
 While (m tlie bluff she could unnoticed spy, 
 She saw her Paris in the bears' embrace, 
 Another Indian stealthily watching bj-. 
 
 S'* Slic watched then Paris, tracing back his steps, 
 
 And eagerl}' on frozen ground still hiding, 
 Back to the cave, saw, while she lowly crei:>t. 
 
 Him from the other side, far quicker striding. 
 
 84 Her whisper certainly had reached his ear, 
 
 She saw him motionless, resound the soil. 
 What would excite the sense like lovei-'s fear'? 
 And risked her safety by her warning voice. 
 
 85 She then still lowly crept on hiding ground, 
 
 Until once more united they embraced, 
 So heavenly sweet did seem to both tlie sound. 
 
 Of beating hearts! when they each other faced. 
 
10 lover's leap 
 
 86 But danger sure it was, did now surround them, 
 
 And cunningly they had to brave it both, 
 They both slid back into the cave behind them, 
 Where the bare ground still luckily was froze. 
 
 87 An exit through they found into a valley, 
 
 Their tmck they filled up with huge rocks, 
 Fearful, more of other tribes might rally, 
 
 To their capture. Swift fell the snowy flakes. 
 
 88 Thus they reached the bed of the Ohio, 
 
 Full of ice, streaming in massy flood. 
 To cross resolved, to walk or swim would try to, 
 Death in their rear — safe over soon they aUxnl. 
 
 89 Weak and exhaused, Morpheus' prey they fcU^ 
 
 Forgotten in his sway were all their pangs, 
 None but the haunted victim true can tell. 
 
 How sweet repose, while safety over us hangs. 
 
 00 High stood the sun, majestic on the azure sky, 
 
 When they aroused were by a stranger st^uaw, 
 Whose tribe on hunt did roam just then near by, 
 A Pottawatomie, who both asleep them saw. 
 
 91 Although in language foreign to their ear, 
 
 She warned them of their danger in this spot, 
 And told them of a glorious cave near, 
 
 Where soon again their danger was forgot, 
 
 92 It was a cave of giant-like propoitions, 
 
 Mauunoth cave called in our period, 
 She promised them, no piizes or extortion. 
 Make her betray the asyl kindly shown. 
 
 93 She furthermore explained that some days sooner. 
 
 Some tribe had sent their spies to hers, 
 To learn of them tidings who now did know her, 
 They were pursuing in the train of others. 
 
 94 Cloudy Chief had held the old men's council, 
 
 'T had ugieed protecticm to the wcnk, 
 Yet to avoid war's horrors in their domicil, 
 
 They'd show themselves but servil, true and meek. 
 
 95 So she sure to meet with Cloudy Clhiefs approval. 
 
 Would to no one their secret lodge lietray, 
 And in danger to eflect their sure removal. 
 With a safeguard come without delay. 
 
ON MAIDEN ROCK. H 
 
 96 Balmy Spring herself was Cloudy Chief's squaw, 
 
 Said she came from the far distant North, 
 And provided them with dried meat of Buffalo — 
 Generous and kind, their confidence well worth. 
 
 97 So she left them in this nature's wonder, 
 
 Like enchanted in a fairy place, 
 Thinking of a forenight's dangers yonder, 
 
 •Sure none on that path would. see their trace. 
 
 98 This marble hall, in brilliant sunlight's splendor, 
 
 When by the sun's rise it was eastward lit, 
 Radiantly illuminated, architecture's wondor, 
 When he westward triumphatly slid. 
 
 99 White and pure, like unstained Faith's altar. 
 
 Arched in masterly evquisite dome, 
 On vast columns, placed never to falter ; 
 
 In its sight a mortal's thoughts feel elevated, grown. 
 
 100 Purity expresses alabaster whiteness, 
 
 Th' infinites emblem embodied to the eye ; 
 Hope-inspiring by its radiant brightness j 
 Transport feels the heart to make it sigh. 
 
 101 Hannony still beautifies this grandeur, 
 
 While it seems to lack strict symmetry, 
 Stand, unawed, in high intrepidity, though thunder, 
 Charged with lightning, strike its unhurt victoiy. 
 
 103 'Twas the time when, in the Christian countries, 
 
 Christmas fills each happy heart with joy, 
 The dreary winter brings foiry exstacies, 
 
 While nature dormant awA of all pleasure void. 
 
 103 That night Balmy Spring came unexpected. 
 
 On a pony, provided with meat. 
 Looking to th<? lone ones, to her dear affected. 
 While the ground still covered was with sleet. 
 
 104 Sang a song to show them her affliction— 
 
 Of her once so sorrowful career ; 
 It seemed with their own to have some connection ; 
 To whom she could express it without fear. 
 
 105 "O, Canada, my home so dear and far off, 
 Where mj people and papoos lives. 
 Nor forget thee, nor return to thee I can, 
 Where beloved I and ha^T happy been. 
 
12 loyek's leap 
 
 106 "Mississippi have I liad to cross there, 
 Where Missouri comes to wed its flow, 
 "Wa« a captive taken from my daddy, 
 When yet 3'oung, and am a captive now. 
 
 107 "Tried to fiy against the sun me ; 
 Sun had tal?;en 'long me in his course, 
 Overtaken was by Cloudy Chiefc, 
 Where Ohio a«l> Mississippi pours. 
 
 108 "Cloudy Chiefe had began to love me — 
 Love I felt when he avowed his suit, 
 So I never 'gain did get away here 
 Since he honorably has me wooed." 
 
 109 The cave resounded yet with silvery ringing echo, 
 
 When from the van another voice did sound : 
 "At last" — a tone, with chilling blast, so low — 
 
 A spectre rose toiment from the cave's ground. 
 
 110 No one but Paris knew that voice's meaning ; 
 
 Her claim on him came Ivy V. to force ; 
 Stunned, motionless, still, listening, if but dreaming, 
 He realized her intrusion not at once. 
 
 111 Her form appeared transparent in the moonlight, 
 
 Which, with day's splendor, filled the cave, 
 A sletpless, restless wanderer, day and night. 
 Her love to claim, forsaken, now she came. 
 
 113 "At last!" no blame, no harm and no reproaclies, 
 
 Like all were well since she did him behold, 
 What a success to her blind passion vouches? 
 
 Embracing Lily WTflte, he motionless and cold. 
 
 113 "I know," she says, "unloving, thou forsakest me; 
 
 Unhappy, life has nought for me in store ; 
 I am not here to claim or to beti-ay thee ; 
 
 Without thee bear I can this life no more. 
 
 114 "Thy sight to me was as the light to flowers; 
 
 Its want has long ere this broke my faint heart ; 
 I see her now Mdiose aspiration loftier towers , 
 And will in your sight here this life depart. 
 
 115 " 'Twrs sweet to love ! you know I ever loved thee ; 
 
 But, unbeloved, love but absorbs my life ; 
 Since thou hast cast her off, a wreck is I^y V : 
 Imixissioned torment, sure me mad to drive! 
 
ON MAIDEN EOCK. 13 
 
 116 "I come to free thee from the sacred vows ; 
 
 My life-blood still in thy behalf will shed !" 
 And with an arrow stabbing, with few moans, 
 
 She dropped, still sighing, while her life-blood fled. 
 
 117 Motionless had Balmy Spring been, listening ; 
 
 Sweet to her did soimd her conntiy's talk ; 
 When the an-ow's point, in moonlight glistening, 
 Too soon again set her surprise at nought. 
 
 118 She recognized, in this moment's horror. 
 
 Her lost papoos, torn once from her breast, 
 "When in war she, captured by a warrior, 
 
 Never since again had by her sight been blest. 
 
 119 What exstacy her instinct could have prompted. 
 
 To swerve alone, unguarded by her tribe ? 
 If not far off they soon would search her, wanted, 
 
 And vengeance, certain, would her death bestride. 
 
 120 "Fly, then, again, you restless, ever haunted ! 
 
 Already near is sure destruction's doom ; 
 Though guiltless, fate pursues j'ou, nothing daunted ! 
 One victim fell ; fly, vengeance, and its gloom !" 
 
 121 And westward dawning day tlioir shades did cast ; 
 
 Near where *'Ohio Mississipj)! pours," 
 The streaming ice had formed a bridge at last, 
 
 And northward there thc}^ safe did cross its course. 
 
 122 Over prairies vast and dreary, northward, 
 
 Chilling winds encountering in flight, 
 Near the Father of Rivers — not to part 
 
 From its bed — a safeguard seemed its sight. 
 
 123 And thus the winter's strength passed over ; 
 
 No rest, no shelter, ever roaming on. 
 To where the pine trees lofty skyward tower ; 
 West, to the shores of wavy Michigan. 
 
 124 Five days and nights since having turned northward 
 
 This wide-spread water first appeared. 
 Here they met tribes which, ready west to start, 
 Had of their pursuit further eastward heard. 
 
 125 A Chieftain's bride from Hymen's altar loped. 
 
 By daring, though distinguished, robber's aid ; 
 This unheard act by both, long ere beloved. 
 
 By the death of both should only be revenged. 
 
14 lover's leap 
 
 126 They kindly warned them west to turn their steps, ^ 
 
 Northward toward the lands of Chippewas, 
 Where all the rivers deep and snow-filled beds 
 Caused pursuing tribes many and long delays. 
 
 127 This region abounds in sportmen's greatest treasure ; 
 
 Paris soon showed his skill in master art, 
 And took his sport, with Lily White in leisure — 
 Clipped many a wing that wafted heavenward. 
 
 128 Spring and heat returned. With new vigor 
 
 Sprouted grass and trees again ; 
 Mutual care, constantly watchful, eager. 
 
 Had tried to vanish from their minds in vain. 
 
 129 Awakening creation's balmy verdure breathing, 
 
 Transported by the beauty of its charm ; 
 Tliough happy, still mute sights our breasts are heaving, 
 For fear of trouble that our love could hann. 
 
 130 All joyful birds, their nests secured, are hatching, 
 
 Hid from the roving eagle's fearful glance ; 
 
 Melodious whispers — whistling males are watching, 
 
 Feeding females their eggs but to enhance. 
 
 131 The rabbit, chewing long-missed fresh-green herbage, 
 
 Spies watchful for the cunning foxes' trot ; 
 The coon, content with hazelnuts, alarmeth 
 
 His she, for wolves hunting for moles and rats. 
 
 132 Swifter the busy squirrel jumps up the branches, 
 
 To waiTi, in time, for wild-cat's glaring eye ; 
 The pheasant rashes livelier to ranches 
 
 To 'scape the hawk's swing, wide-spread, drawing nigh. 
 
 133 All cares and fears mocking, in spring's revival. 
 
 Swings whip-poor-will, from branch on hedge and sod. 
 Its jolly sound bids smaller creatures hide all. 
 
 Mid-day and night, Uke white or black-wings spot. 
 
 134 All nature stirring, life and love begetting ; 
 
 So tree, as creature, do obey its bloom ; 
 In love's enjoyments always dangers dreading, 
 Seem conscious all of sure destruction's doom. 
 
 135 In this way once our fugitives were musing, 
 
 SuiTounded by their new acquired friends, 
 Wh« for the year new hunting grounds were choosing, 
 Neoi' where Lake Pepin's ^^■hite sheet southward ends. 
 
ON MAIDEN ROCK. . 15 
 
 136 Lily White was telling their surprise, by Ivy V. 
 
 Unawares appearing in the cave, 
 When suddenly a hawk, swinging above a tree, 
 Fell, wounded by the arrow of a daring brave. 
 
 137 Astonished all, a sudden terror feeling, 
 
 Rushed up to see who was the fatal shot ; 
 Paris stretched on the grass, roused from his dreaming, 
 Sprung up to witness cunning treason's plot. 
 
 138 Near them there came from North Tang-Uh, surrounded 
 
 By many of his fiercest warriors' aid, 
 While eastward Flying Raven's tocsin sounded, 
 
 And from the South a joint force them betrayed. 
 
 139 No way now to escape the certain death-stroke. 
 
 And yet lesolved both only joint to tlee ; 
 A sublime flash from both their eyes spoke : 
 "Death I prefer to life hence without thee." 
 
 140 Both forward leaping to the point of rocks 
 
 Protruding in the lake's waves, deep below. 
 With last embrace, which their pursuers' mocks, 
 One fearful leap and — in the waves they flow. 
 
 141 That grave, true love, their booty did devour, r 
 
 Who now stood disappointment's poorest doom ; 
 The sun set westward gloomily this hour. 
 
 While Flying Raven viewed mad still the tomb. 
 
 142 The elements, far kinder than was mankind, 
 
 Tore from the shore a heavy cedar tree, 
 In youthful strength Paris his bride entwined, 
 
 Did light on ; henceforth both were safe and free. 
 
 143 The current, drifting on the western shore. 
 
 At dawning morn did land them safe and sound — 
 No human eye had witnessed this before — 
 
 Both thanking fate, were further westward bound. 
 
 144 The Minnesotas were a peaceful nation, 
 
 By age their Chief had shortly been demised ; 
 By Providence they thought Paris was fashioned, 
 On purpose sent to be their Chief, disguised. 
 
 145 And virtuously has Paris filled his mission ; 
 
 With Lily White long did his rule enjoy ; 
 By fate hard tried, he ever had decision 
 
 To hold his people's happiness moyt high. 
 
IG 
 
 LOVER-8 LEAP 
 
 146 "Here, gentle reader," thanks for thy attentiouj 
 
 Be sure, lis mortals bear a higher aim ; 
 Whetlier rhyme or poetrj^, this tale's invention, 
 
 Though romantic, has still on trath some claim. 
 
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