PS 3503 
 .075 06 
 1911 
 Copy 1 
 
 }li:{!(.|;|iE:^:l;itii 
 
Class JHiLl^il3 
 
 Book__A>I^^ 
 Copyright N^_____ 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
O PHIEL 
 

O P H I E L 
 
 TALLI J. BOUKNIGHT 
 
 New York and Washington 
 
 THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 1911 
 

 Copyright, 1911, By 
 TALLI J. BOUKNIGHT 
 
 
 CI.A2D2S24 
 
OPHIEL 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 "Black robed, and standing tall in solemn majesty 
 
 Before an altar high, where flowers pure and white 
 
 Entwined with palms that bend in adoration sweet, 
 
 Amid a priestly throng of soldiers of the King 
 
 Most high and beautiful, — forever thou a priest 
 
 According to the order of Melchisedec, 
 
 Whom mighty God exalts above thy fellow man, 
 
 His woe in time to share. His sorrow dark as night. 
 
 Now consecrated to His sacred heart that beats 
 
 In gratitude and love for thy devotion deep. 
 
 On thee His mantle rests. His armor on thee bound. 
 
 Go forth to battle with the Enemy of man, 
 
 Who, seeking to devour, assails the innocent. 
 
 Thy hand, if faint at times, shall gain the victory; 
 
 For thee the Prince of Heaven in glory will defend 
 
 And guard thee in the battle and the time of death." 
 
 As sweetest solemn music in the air at morn. 
 As clear as silvery bell, these words descending came 
 Where at a golden altar of the holy church 
 Sebastian raptly stood in contemplative love. 
 Upon his youthful form, serenely beautiful 
 And undefiled soul, the ceremonies pure 
 Of holy ordination had but lately fallen 
 In splendid solemn pomp and papal dignity. 
 
 7 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 Sweet consolation, bringing to a trembling heart, 
 As angelus bells afar at day's dark ending peal. 
 The low seraphic music of Saint Michael's voice 
 Was heard diminishing in cadences afar, 
 As o'er the hills the bugle notes of shepherd boy 
 Grow fainter in the sunset glow. Sebastian knelt 
 And offered up anew his heart to God in Heaven. 
 
 Although the day was one containing all the joy 
 Of brightest new-born Spring and many blooming 
 
 flowers. 
 At evening came, in sudden wintry manner, swift 
 In dreadful melancholy, chilling winds that blew 
 The glowing flames of many tapers. Wildly leaped 
 Sebastian's heart, o'er which a vague foreboding crept 
 Of future ill and martyrdom to undergo. 
 As low before a golden crucifix he knelt, 
 Unseen by him a black and wildly wind blown form 
 Of evil entered o'er a high arched window near 
 And hovered low in dreadful darkness half obscured. 
 As full grown youth in red barbaric dress arrayed. 
 His sensuous form adorned with dark terrific wings. 
 His face that once was beautiful, in torture wrung. 
 He reached long, stained arms in mocking gesture 
 
 wild 
 Toward the earthly one who knelt in holy fear 
 Where pure white lilies bloomed upon an altar high. 
 
 Below on Hell's dark throne that morn had Satan 
 
 raved. 
 By man defeated, by his loathsome subjects scorned. 
 For years he'd striven for Sebastian's snowy soul. 
 But now it seemed in vain was all his evil art. 
 In dreadful frenzy had he summoned from afar 
 Dark Ophiel, the tried and trusty fallen one, 
 
 8 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Who many a soul had ruined of mortal innocent. 
 By demon oath he was commissioned secretly 
 To Hades' fiery depths to lure the stainless soul 
 Of him new consecrated to the Sacred Heart. 
 At Satan's bidding swiftly had the dark one flown 
 From out the frightful gate of Hell to wailing earth, 
 Upraising in his hand a crimson poisoned dart, 
 Anticipating soon to degradation low 
 With sinuous arms to drag his victim's snowy soul. 
 
 But now he paused in fear of God's adored One, 
 And, folding sable wing and flowing mantle close, 
 Astonished gazed upon the silent worshipper. 
 The rapt expression of whose face entranced him. 
 Star-sweet against the gloom of shadows deepening. 
 It seemed above temptation, pure and angelic. 
 How like the face of one, it seemed to Ophiel, 
 Who ages long ago had smiled in Paradise 
 And decked him with a crown of never fading 
 
 flowers, 
 Who played with him, a child in sweet companionship. 
 By silvery running stream where grew the tree of 
 
 life: 
 But swift, in frenzied pain, his evil nature rose 
 In cruel deep desire; but all in vain he strove 
 From demon tortured mind and heart soon to efface 
 The memory of that day in holy Paradise 
 That, after countless years of slumber, now awoke 
 And shone as smouldering coal in flameless brazier 
 Blown softly by magnolia perfumed winds of Spring. 
 
II 
 
 The first far roseate hues of early Autumn dawn 
 Had scarce begun to tint the silent star-dimmed East 
 When Indian chieftain, on a sleepless bed of pain, 
 Arose and pulled aside the curtains dark that hung 
 Within the doorway of his wigwam. Misty, faint. 
 Below him dimly lay a lily-bordered lake. 
 Extending far to bank where eastern line of trees 
 Resembled castles of a land beyond the dawn; 
 And near a mighty pine rose tall and solemnly, 
 As column standing lone of some mysterious ruin. 
 Its green and murmuring branches seemed to touch 
 
 the sky. 
 Deserted, ancient, dark and awe-inspiring lay 
 On either hand a dim and gloomy forest way, 
 O'erhung with trailing vine and sombre Spanish moss ; 
 And nearer, in a grove of stately solemn oaks 
 The little wigwams of an Indian village stood 
 Serenely beautiful and quietly prosperous. 
 
 By age and many fevers wasted, wan and tired. 
 Revealing scars of battles fought and bravely won. 
 The still, unfolding beauty Miccanope watched 
 Of light which came through hours weary, long de- 
 sired. 
 The misty east now seemed afire with dusky red 
 That gleamed within the dreamy waters of the lake 
 As fire of Tophet kindled in dread realms below, 
 Then slowly changed to gold that lit the western sky. 
 Victorious proclaiming advent of the morn. 
 In languor moved a gentle lily-scented breeze 
 
 10 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 That scarce perceptibly transformed the golden lake 
 To misty changing hues unknown and beautiful. 
 Afar from shore of pines, whose gloomy silhouettes 
 Rose darkly on the east's increasing radiance. 
 Entrancing came the notes of huntsman's solemn 
 
 horn 
 That smote in pleasure wild the chieftain's listening 
 
 ear. 
 
 But at another sound, less audible and near — 
 By Miccanope turned a waiting, eager ear. 
 As from the curtained portal of adjacent tent 
 There swiftly came a maiden young and beautiful. 
 In strange barbaric robe of white and gold adorned. 
 The chaste and many folds extending down to earth, 
 Where sandaled foot was seen upon the fallen 
 
 leaves, — 
 She seemed an Indian flower blooming in the morn, 
 Whose golden loveliness would fade with evening 
 
 tide, 
 Unplucked by mortal hand and chaste as morning 
 
 star. 
 To waste no more its sweet and charming innocence 
 Upon the rude and inappreciative earth. 
 Her eyes were as the purple violets that bloom 
 Along the forest way in fragrance of the dawn, 
 And gleam with hope impearled by early morning 
 
 dew. 
 Her modest steps were swift and graceful as she 
 
 came. 
 And in her voice the music of the wilderness, 
 Awaking new from slumbers of the lonely night. 
 
 " O father, thou hast passed the long and dreary 
 night,— 
 
 11 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Behold in yonder radiant east its glorious end. 
 
 So mayest thou hope when dark and fleeting life is 
 
 o'er 
 To pass into such glory from this wilderness 
 And greet with joy in golden gleaming hunting 
 
 ground 
 My mother and thy dearest kindred gone before." 
 As gentle Hope, she paused beside the warrior, 
 Who, broken down with years, in trembling tones 
 
 replied : 
 " My Tuscawilla, little one, more beautiful 
 Than thy mother was ; fairest princess on the earth. 
 My heart is soaring like an eagle's to that land, 
 But scarred and red my hands with blood of warriors 
 
 slain. 
 And sin, regretted now, as heavy burden down 
 Bears grievously upon my faint and weary soul 
 And strives to press me down where yonder scarlet 
 
 fires 
 Are burning darkly in the bottom of the lake. 
 
 " My lovely daughter now, whose heart is pure and 
 
 white 
 As yonder lily opening in the morning light, 
 O lift for me thy tender, supplicating voice 
 Unto the Mighty One whose spirit-throne on high 
 Is greater than the light of yonder golden sun. 
 If He but hear thy beauteous voice in mercy raised. 
 And see the glistening tear for me in anguish wrung 
 From heart of innocence that beats confidingly. 
 Perchance on me forgiving mercy will descend. 
 And, in His pity, loving eyes may rest on me. 
 By many fevers wasted and the grief that burns: 
 In condescension maybe He will lift from me 
 This dreadful woe that bears me down and ever down, 
 
 12 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 With leaden sable wings, to unresponsive earth, 
 So cold and pitiless. O pray for me to Him, 
 That I may be released from woeful bitterness 
 And those who ever seek my soul's unending death ! '* 
 
 ** My dearest father, stay thy bitter tears awhile. 
 This very fading night in strange and wondrous 
 
 dream 
 I saw my mother. Silently she came and stood 
 Within the doorway of my little white hung tent. 
 I thought she drew aside the curtain noiselessly, — 
 Whereupon a light more radiant than the noonday 
 
 sun 
 Descended bright, and I was blinded for awhile. 
 My mother's voice, commanding, bade me raise my 
 
 eyes; 
 And looking far, I saw the boundless, eastern sea 
 In silvery radiance of the crescent moon above. 
 In beauty flowing wide. Upon its bosom lay 
 A strange unearthly ship that seemed a mighty swan 
 With folded wings beneath a starry azure sky. 
 Above it gleaming shone a wondrous lady bright. 
 Whose robes were whiter than the orange bloom in 
 
 Spring; 
 Her snowy hands extended far, in loveliness ; 
 Her peaceful, holy smile was brighter than the dawn. 
 And she was crowned with silver gleaming moon and 
 
 stars. 
 
 " And as I looked, she turned and smiled on me in 
 
 love. 
 And for awhile I lost the vision in her smile; 
 Again it came, but then in darkness only lay. 
 I saw a white, wave-beaten strand in loneliness. 
 Where weirdly stood, black-robed and tall, a holy 
 
 man, 
 
 IS 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Who_, gazing out to sea, saw, lit by silvery moon, 
 The wondrous barque of man ascending to the stars. 
 To desolate and lonely wilderness he turned 
 A face as white as lily bloom in summertime, — 
 But not alone; there seemed a form mysterious. 
 Composed of sombre night, which followed in his 
 
 steps ; 
 Of which he seemed aware, for oft a golden cross 
 He lifted to his lips, which seemed to move with 
 
 words. 
 Steadfastly to the west he bent his hastening steps 
 And vanished where the palm leaves border ocean's 
 
 shore. 
 
 " Then soft I heard my mother's voice commanding, 
 
 low, 
 As wind in stately murmuring pine, pronounce these 
 
 words : 
 ' Give welcome to a messenger of Spirit Great; 
 An audience lend to one by Queen of Heaven sent.* 
 Then I awoke. These words were sounding in my ears 
 While unto thee, my father, fever spent, I hastened. 
 But see across the waters blue and rippling how 
 The golden clouds are white and sun-emblazoned all, 
 How in his majesty the god of day appears! 
 O Great and Holy One, — whose mighty hand con- 
 trols 
 The splendid sun, the earth, the stars that lately 
 
 shone. 
 The crescent moon whose silvery light revealed to me 
 The wondrous vision of a Lady crowned with stars, — 
 Look down with pitying eye on these thy children far, 
 Who cry to Thee for aid, in their affliction deep, — 
 Let mercy's light on us descending be as great 
 As all our hope and trust in Thee, most mighty God ! ** 
 
 14 
 
Ill 
 
 On either hand the forest stretched of stately pine, 
 Of tall palm tree and many long and clinging vines; 
 The way led through an open field of golden flowers, 
 Where brightly plumaged birds flew near in song to 
 
 greet 
 A stranger darkly robed who came through wilder- 
 ness. 
 But one, grey-hued, surpassed them all, and seemed 
 
 to change 
 Their feeble notes to one delirious song of joy. 
 " Now God be praised for such a beauteous para- 
 dise," 
 And, in His name, Sebastian blessed the lovely scene. 
 And held aloft a crucifix of pearl and gold, 
 Which brightly gleamed. It was the one that long 
 
 ago 
 His mother gave to him, when tears refused to cease 
 When from his home departing, — cherished treasure 
 
 long 
 Upon the wall of cottage humble had it hung 
 Through all his childhood, and would guard him 
 until death. 
 
 In all the morning, far, through strange, majestic 
 
 wood. 
 He, wandering, saw no sign of man except the fear 
 Of wildwood animals, which fled before his steps. 
 Now wearily down amongst the flowers he sank to 
 
 rest, 
 
 15 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 And leaning on the base of tall and stately pine. 
 Amidst the brown and golden colors of the wood, 
 Above the blackness of his priestly folded robe. 
 In sorrow shone his dark and blue appealing eyes 
 And lovely face, as white as purest lily bloom 
 Save for the slightest tint of red on either eheek. 
 With care, and down upon a bed of golden flowers. 
 He laid the treasured crucifix of pearl, and looked 
 With holy face and clasped hands up to the skies. 
 Where great white clouds that seemed dim mountains 
 
 ever changed. 
 And in magnificence, retaining all their calm. 
 Moved slowly in the Autumn sky as if to flee 
 Some strange and far invisible portent of ill. 
 
 In stealth, from where the palms were growing thick, 
 
 advanced 
 An Indian warrior, — Winnemoca, young and brave. 
 His lithe strong limbs were of dull hue like burnished 
 
 gold. 
 Unclothed save for a broad and crimson girdle wound 
 About the center of his perfect youthful form. 
 Uj)on his arm a bow in curious fashion swung. 
 And crimson arrowpoints upon his girdle hung. 
 Three scarlet feathers upright in his flowing hair 
 Were ornaments to head and princely countenance. 
 Advancing silently, he pressed down the flowers 
 As noiselessly as shadows creep upon the light. 
 Ere long, Sebastian smote his breast in fervent 
 
 prayer. 
 When, swift as startled deer, the youth commenced 
 
 to flee. 
 Then paused, awhile his courage gaining to advance. 
 At last he touched the stately pine and trembling 
 
 stood 
 
 16 
 
O P H I E L ' 
 
 In silent wonder by the golden crucifix: 
 
 Then forth^ within the startled vision of the other 
 
 He stepped, with murmuring sound like that of forest 
 
 stream, 
 iWhich chokes at pleasant turn by many bending 
 
 reeds. 
 On him Sebastian smiled and stretched inviting hand; 
 Then softly spoke to him, who, trembling and 
 
 amazed. 
 Bowed low amongst the flowers, as strange and wild 
 
 as he. 
 In love the good one blessed his trembling suppliant. 
 Then gently bade him rise, and strove his fear to 
 
 stay. 
 As Winnemoca in his dreams had ne'er beheld 
 So fair a one, and deeming him inhabitant 
 Of far off azure sky, come down to visit men, 
 And fearing that he might in some strange manner 
 
 flee. 
 He caught the chain that hung down o'er his sombre 
 
 robe 
 And passed through brown and stained fingers one by 
 
 one 
 The little beads which hung upon a circling chain 
 Until he reached the end where lay in shadow dim 
 A cross as black as robe of him who stood and smiled. 
 
 Awhile he gazed in adoration of the wild 
 Upon the little figure, representing pain. 
 Unknown to him, and suffering inexpressible. 
 In childish fear the youth upraised inquiring eyes 
 To him who stood observing with a quiet air. 
 Who in the other's eyes the question gently read 
 Of why the crucifix and such in emblem made. 
 And lifted solemn hand toward the smiling sky. 
 
 17 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 But Winnemoca, fearing lest his visitor 
 Should rise, returning to celestial realms above, 
 Secured the sacramental chain encircling him, 
 And loosed it not for gentle hand or voice nor smile 
 Persuasive, but, as if in fear of punishment. 
 He pointed to the downward path that led away 
 From flower field to forest dark and terrible. 
 Sebastian lifted from the earth his crucifix. 
 And on the stalwart shoulders of the other laid 
 His holy burden brought from o'er the eastern sea. 
 
 Together thus they journeyed on, the savage youth 
 
 O'er joyed, anticipating soon to greet his tribe. 
 
 The chieftain and his daughter, o'er the province 
 
 queen. 
 In strange barbaric manner at his captive smiled, 
 Believing him an angel from the azure sky. 
 And uttering tender cries in exultation weird. 
 Sebastian, comprehending not the language wild. 
 Grew peaceful and contented, for he gladly knew 
 That in the hands of Love he was a prisoner. 
 'Twas thus at eventide they came through gloomy 
 
 shade 
 Of dark sequestered forest to an open place 
 Where rested peacefully a little Indian town 
 Beside a rippling lake that far extending lay 
 Beneath the fading sun, on western horizon. 
 Which glowed in flaming awe upon a prominence 
 Of sombre scarlet cloud in color deep arrayed. 
 Which seemed to darkly stain the Autumn sky with 
 
 blood. 
 
 Awhile they paused to look upon the scarlet scene. 
 As darkly glowed the sun through great majestic 
 pines, 
 
 18 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 As sentinels arrayed behind the distant tents, 
 Which rose in circling lines around a central one. 
 Which proudly stood at base of overshading tree. 
 As mountains in the distance, clouds of dusky red, 
 Threw o'er the mournful scene a weird, unholy light, 
 And red the waters of the lake Oconee glowed. 
 Until it seemed a scarlet sea of smouldering fire 
 Wherein uncanny gnomes of underworld held forth 
 In mystery their rites of punishment and dread. 
 Ascending slowly, smoke of early kindled fires 
 Reflected in deep color woe of sunset sky. 
 While peacefully, within their habitations low. 
 Each family congregated at the close of day. 
 Partaking of their food and night's refreshing sleep. 
 
 Advancing then, they paused and listened by the 
 
 door 
 Of central wigwam, wherein, lying fever spent,' 
 The chieftain of the flock committed to his care 
 In gloom and sorrow mingled held his trembling 
 
 sway; 
 And entering softly found him from a slumber waked. 
 Sore troubled and distressed at frightful feverish 
 
 dream. 
 From bending o'er her father, Tuscawilla rose. 
 And, watchful ever, passing fair to look upon. 
 In questioning her eyes were bent upon the youth 
 And on his captive, pale, white, unfamiliar one; 
 Then, slowly recognized him as the stranger bright 
 Beheld in clear-remembered vision of the morn. 
 A joyful cry escaped the chieftain's trembling lips, 
 Who, turning to his daughter, wonderingly proclaimed 
 The swift fulfillment of her strange, prophetic dream 
 In words that softly fell in music weird and sweet: 
 
 19 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 ** As welcome as the flowers of Spring to desert 
 
 earth 
 Art thoUj fair visitor from unknown regions high. 
 Turn beauteous eyes on me again, for now it seems 
 As though from Paradise a ray escaped and gleams 
 As splendor glorious of early morning ray 
 Upon a lone and swiftly fading cloud of night. 
 From regions far beyond the blue ethereal sky, 
 Welcome, — thy coming by a messenger foretold. 
 Perchance thou hast a remedy, O stranger bright, 
 For that dark woe which dwells within my aching 
 
 heart. 
 Consuming all my life as dreadful leprosy. 
 If thou canst stay its might, all that I have is thine 
 In compensation for so great a benefit. 
 Now look upon me with those pitying eyes again; 
 They seem an angel's in my dreams of long ago 
 When I, a little child in innocence, was led 
 Through many wildwood paths where fragrant 
 
 flowers grew. 
 
 "Prepare reception great, befitting such a guest; 
 Go, bid the mighty warriors come in regal state, 
 Before their chieftain here to welcome stranger fair. 
 Command them to adorn with robe and color bright. 
 For in thanksgiving shall this joyful night be spent. 
 Now has a messenger come down from Spirit High 
 To guide us home to land that's incomparable. 
 Where dwell the beautiful beyond the earth's dark 
 
 sky. 
 Beyond the suffering of this life mysterious." 
 Departing at his bidding, Winnemoca left 
 The low-hung tent the while with many glances 
 
 back 
 Of love and admiration for the sombre one, — 
 
 20 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 While Tuscawilla, lovely daughter of the chief. 
 Was proudly standing by her father's lowly bed, 
 And with expression downcast bent, as if to shield 
 The wasted one who lay before her from all harm. 
 
 Sebastian saw them moving gracefully and heard 
 Their gentle words ; but, comprehending not, he knew 
 His coming was with peace; so with uplifted heart 
 He rendered grateful, silent thanks to God in 
 
 Heaven; 
 Then, turning, saw the chieftain's aged eyes on him 
 Were fixed, mysterious, and smiling, as the child 
 Who, wondering, some object of delight beholds. 
 But dimly seen and strange, yet pleasing to the 
 
 sight. 
 Arising then, the old man beckoned earnestly. 
 To a seat on lowly hide-strewn couch of stone and 
 
 fur. 
 And tenderly Sebastian raised his wasted form. 
 Supporting it with little cushions strangely formed. 
 And dyed in curious and in varied coloring; 
 Then by his side sat down, repeating o'er and o'er 
 The simple words, by gesture illustrated much. 
 That he might understand the language of the other. 
 
 In darkness standing, Tuscawilla, with content. 
 
 So quietly watched them that her presence in the 
 
 shade 
 Was not remarked by those who in the fading light 
 Held pleasing conversation, partly understood. 
 In prayer inaudible her heart went up to God: 
 " From out the depths we lately cried to Thee, O 
 
 Lord, 
 And mercifully hast thou hearkened to our plea; 
 No more in darkness and in death's oppressive shade 
 21 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Our wandering be, but life's transcendent light shall 
 
 fall. 
 O let Thy glorious face from us no more be turned, 
 Give us Thy grace our mournful hearts to purify; 
 By prayer of yonder Queen of Heaven, glorious, 
 In dream of splendor seen, and crowned with flaming 
 
 stars. 
 Let mercy on us evermore descending be 
 As great as hope and love of those who cry from 
 
 earth 
 Unto Thy majesty unspeakable on high." 
 
 Returning, Winnemoca hastened joyfully. 
 And in his footsteps came a mute and solemn throng, 
 Who, entering, one by one, were warriors of the tribe. 
 With strange barbaric, hasty, springing step they 
 
 came 
 And bowed before their chieftain deferentially, 
 In rustic awe beholding stranger wonderful. 
 With white extended hands, who blessed each kneel- 
 ing form. 
 And called from Heaven down on them the grace of 
 
 God. 
 They formed a semi-circle round the two who ruled 
 In different manner o'er the earth mysterious ; 
 They placed a calumet within Sebastian's hand, 
 New lighted and containing fragrant, powdered herb. 
 And in a solemn silence smoked the pipe of peace. 
 Until the night had fallen darkly o'er the lake ; 
 While in the distance, gleaming by the tented door. 
 Glowed early kindled fire and red, descending moon. 
 Which half revealed the forms of those who waited 
 there. 
 
 Awhile beside her father Tuscawilla stood 
 
 22 
 
P H I E L 
 
 In shadows deepening, the scene of peace beheld; 
 Then silently within the coming night withdrew, 
 The joyful news to tell to old, beloved one, — 
 Olate, foster mother, faithful, true and tried. 
 Who dwelt in gloomy tent beside an awful wood, 
 Where sounds arose and ghostly phantoms roamed at 
 
 night. 
 Within the light of flickering fire she found her, and. 
 In tones melodious, the praises poured forth 
 Of stranger fair and holy from the skies come down. 
 Olate, listening darkly, called to jealous mind. 
 Through many an evil year, the ancient prophecy 
 Foretelling darkly subjugation of her race 
 By men of paler countenance from eastern skies 
 Who would her people drive in battles to the west; 
 And, frowning more, she wove, as sombre mantle grew 
 By dusky hands, her dreadful dark and evil thoughts. 
 
 2S 
 
IV 
 
 The time as swiftly fleeting shadow hastened by. 
 The hunter's moon, which shone in scarlet crescent 
 
 form 
 When first Sebastian came, had grown continually 
 Each passing day, until in splendor glorious 
 It rose a flaming sign of woe in evening sky. 
 Then all the little children crept in terror forth 
 From curtained doorway at their mothers' wailing 
 
 cries. 
 And stared in wonder to the east, wliile warriors 
 
 stood 
 Apart and told of strange and direful things to pass. 
 In haste to Little Father, as they called him, then 
 Unto Sebastian ran, where he in fervent prayer 
 Before an altar knelt, of stone, and rudely made. 
 Wlio at their troubled cries, excited gestures wild. 
 Arose and looked toward the east; and, as he stood, 
 The fiery moon, ascending, lost its dreadful hue. 
 And paler grew and smaller in the Autumn sky. 
 
 Returning to their wigwams in thanksgiving deep. 
 The Indians' confidence more in Sebastian grew, 
 And their afflicted chieftain, hearing silently. 
 The wondrous story told to him, — Obedience 
 Was rendered by the moon to holy visitor — 
 Divined the time propitious, guided by the stars, 
 To assemble in a council solemn all his tribe 
 With holy priest, the way and manner to devise 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 The workmanship required to build a temple high, 
 
 Wherein to worship God with action suitable. 
 
 By his daughter's willing hands the summons were 
 
 prepared ; 
 In haste, with joy she bound the arrows dark and red 
 In tiny folds of panther's streaked and spotted hide, 
 And sent them forth by Winnemoca, gladly borne. 
 Who at her bidding paused not in forests wild. 
 But hastened on delivering his messages 
 To many warriors with a ceremonious hand. 
 
 With haste, but in exquisite rustic beauty soon, 
 A little church of God was raised in wilderness; 
 By sturdy hands were hewn the forest timbers high. 
 And placed by skilful hand to form an arched dome; 
 An open doorway in the eastern wall was formed. 
 And near the tall, majestic pine, which stood as tower, 
 O'erlooking palm grove and the tranquil azure sea. 
 While at the west the stones were heaped in even 
 
 lines. 
 To form an altar, stately, rude, and incomplete; 
 In northern wall was made a narrow window high 
 That looked to wide, unfrequented and gloomy wood. 
 Upon the earthen floor, by many children trod. 
 The snowy shells were brought from distant sombre 
 
 strand 
 And strewn in form of holy cross, which was o'erlaid 
 With sparkling sands transported from the eastern 
 
 shore. 
 Which lay beyond the sunny lake of Oconee. 
 
 All was completed when the bright and golden moon 
 Of falling leaves and wailing wind had waxed large. 
 Sebastian told of Little Child of Bethlehem, 
 So innocent and pure, who long ago was bom 
 
 25 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 In stable lowly, of Virgin, immaculate. 
 
 And bade them all prepare to commem'rate the birth 
 
 Of God, in love and mercy from His throne on high 
 
 Descending to redeem His creatures of the earth. 
 
 In eagerness were searched the forests for their green, 
 
 And palms were brought and on the altar placed with 
 
 care. 
 Where shone the Holy One, surrounded by the light 
 Of many burning tapers, lit by hands devout; 
 Where little children came and knelt upon the sands. 
 With tiny, clasped hands and dark uplifted eyes. 
 Repeating o'er the supplications taught to them, 
 With many a repetition, soft and lovingly: 
 And o'er the changing scene of worshippers within, 
 Of holy reverence and subdued joy without. 
 Lay, inexpressibly, a radiance of peace. 
 
 Reclining peacefully beneath the ancient pine. 
 The preparation watching, Miccanope saw 
 The smile of joy his daughter gave in passing by. 
 In earthen vase she bore the fragrant lilies white. 
 Obtained from sunny lake, in little swift canoe. 
 Within the distance plaintively he heard the song 
 Of Winnemoca; saw him resting on the wave 
 That slowly rippled, in the trembling, red canoe. 
 Which darkly gleamed in light of far-off winter sun. 
 In sadness down the youth on his reflection gazed. 
 Which shone inconstant, weird in silent watery deep; 
 About his shoulders strong a golden mantle hung. 
 And on his princely head a wreath of holly lay. 
 Whose crimson berries formed a martyr's future 
 
 crown. 
 He slowly waved a hand, a dusky unclothed arm. 
 Encircled by a golden bracelet quaintly wrought. 
 Across the calm but rippling surface of the lake, 
 
 26 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 In weird accompaniment to strange and mournful 
 song: 
 
 " What hidest thou, unfathomed depths of blue, 
 Unanswering chilly wave, reflecting but the hue 
 Of endless sky above ? In vain I seek the days 
 Of rapturous summertime, when all the forest ways 
 Were strewn with golden flowers and the fleeting 
 
 hours, 
 Like shining arrows sped into a forest maze. 
 
 My Tuscawilla, little one, I wait for thee. 
 
 Here, on the bosom of thy fairest Oconee, 
 
 Which lies so tranquilly, and, moaning for its queen, 
 
 Is glowing sombrely in sunlight's wintry sheen; 
 
 My heart imploreth thee again to drift with me 
 
 In little red canoe among the lilies green. 
 
 No more my voice is heard, no more its pleading falls 
 
 On lover's willing ear. The oriole that calls 
 
 The note she fondly knew is heard no more, no more. 
 
 In yonder holy hall I see a beauteous throne 
 
 And one upon the floor who bendeth to adore 
 
 The Sacred Presence there; and I am left alone." 
 
 27 
 
That night Sebastian came and knelt^ his heart with 
 
 joy 
 
 O'ereome, alone within the church erected new. 
 The golden winter moon shone down from starry 
 
 sky 
 And lit, through spacious door^ Sebastian's kneeling 
 
 form 
 While he, in contemplation sweet, reviewed the days 
 Transpiring since his steps had trod the wilderness. 
 With difficulty he had learned the Indians' tongue, 
 And they had listened eagerly to words of love; 
 To obey his least command they hesitated not; 
 And in the morn they were expected to receive 
 The holy sacrament which giveth life to man. 
 To strengthen them in battles for their God above. 
 Not all, for one, a woman aged and terrible, — 
 Olate, foster parent to the sachem's child. 
 With penetrating eye, had coldly turned aside 
 And, mocking, laughed in scorn when those who 
 
 plead with her 
 Alleged condition happier than gloomy life. 
 
 Above the dim and stately throne Sebastian hung 
 His golden, shining crucifix; adjacent stood 
 The holy vessels of the altar gleaming bright. 
 " O gracious God, how can I thank Thee for Thy 
 
 love. 
 Extended down to these Thy people newly found, 
 For Thou hast brought us forth from all eternity, 
 
 28 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Redeeming us with precious blood, and laying down 
 Thy life, and still Thy loving favors all endure. 
 O what return I make for all Thy benefits ! 
 Here is my life, my all, given anew for Thee ! " 
 And, falling prostrate on the ground, Sebastian lay 
 In loving adoration, thankful and profound. 
 Above, in moonlit window, evil angel form, 
 In scarlet splendor, deeply contemplated him. 
 The lowly worshipper, with strange indifference: 
 
 For oft in hours of the dreary night and long 
 
 Had Ophiel into his tent as robber come. 
 
 And near the sleeping form on couch of stone and 
 
 fur. 
 Despite the cry of little angel guardian; 
 And brought an evil dream that, ending dark. 
 Had left the dreamer sad and fearfully cast down. 
 When once the guardian innocent in fear drew back 
 Dark Ophiel lay down upon the wintry couch 
 And twined about the sleeping one his sinuous arm. 
 Temptations sweet proposing to his troubled ear. 
 With rapturous tenderness his breath on snowy brow, 
 As flame destructive from the very mouth of Hell. 
 ** Sebastian ! " the little guardian angel cried, 
 " Awake ! " and he, half waking, felt the dreadful 
 
 weight 
 Of evil at his heart, and made the holy sign 
 Of cross invincible, and at the murmured sound 
 Of one brief holy word, from troubled heart and 
 
 lips, 
 Ophiel arose and fled, that night to return no more. 
 
 This woeful night to Hades Ophiel had sped 
 In hatred, fear, o'er dreary desert ways that lead 
 To portal strong and hideous in smouldering light. 
 29 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 When to the council chamber dark and lone he came, 
 Upon him Satan frowned^ demanding, terribly. 
 His full account, and when before him it was spread, 
 He raved in wildest frenzy of demoniac: 
 "How negligent has been thy service, traitor, slave; 
 For here I see no mortal soul set down for Hell, 
 And him thou wast dispatched to overthrow^ — in 
 
 peace ! 
 Unfaithful knave, of vile neglect thou guilty art. 
 Ho ! Slaves, come bear me to the land presided o'er 
 By this accursed, and we shall drag unhindered now 
 The race allured from me, back to allegiance. 
 And bind with strong and burning chain the feeble 
 
 will; 
 And thou, O trusted one, shall rue thy negligence 
 In darkest pit of punishment when I return/' 
 
 SO 
 
VI 
 
 Beneath a gnarled oak, black, bowed, and weather 
 
 rent. 
 Upon whose ancient and decaying branches hung 
 In tendrils gray the Spanish moss, Olate stood 
 In black and frowning with malignity of death 
 Upon the gentle radiance of the early morn. 
 Her dusky face and darker eyes were filled with 
 
 fear, 
 And oft she muttered low, then shrieked in frenzy 
 
 loud 
 And held aloft unfolding fingers of a hand. 
 Which strove in vain to clutch the hazy, dancing 
 
 light 
 That sifted through the silent branches overhead. 
 Behind her lay the marshy wood, and overgrown 
 By many tangled vines and jungle grasses tall. 
 While in the distance higher, where the village stood, 
 Composed of solemn tent and peaceful holy church, 
 A dreamy morning mist had risen o'er the gloom 
 And through the early light in gladness streamed 
 
 down. 
 
 Afar, and blue, the tranquil glimmer of the lake 
 Could scarcely be discerned for many forest trees 
 And broken grasses of the marsh, and mosses low. 
 In voice sepulchral, " Woe am I ! " Olate cried, 
 In hoarseness scarcely human, sounding by the 
 marsh : 
 
 31' 
 
OP HIE L 
 
 " The fools ! — they all have listened to the witching 
 
 voice 
 Of this persuasive blue-eyed stranger white and frail. 
 But I to his deceits remain superior. 
 He thinksj, a charlatan, my kinsmen to befool; 
 But soon with him will vanish this devotion pale. 
 With greater zeal to bloody dance and sacrifice 
 Will they return, O then with olden revelry. 
 The darksome forest ways deserted now will sound, 
 When here, within accustomed place, the shrieking 
 
 voice 
 Uplifts again its cry to angry demon god. 
 And crimson flows avenging blood from deadly 
 
 wound. 
 
 " Returning soon to brief, relinquished customs, 
 
 they 
 Will cast aside the holy spell that binds them now. 
 For what has this intruding one to give for all 
 That he has taken from us } — Not eternal life. 
 For that delusion rose from out the heart of man 
 And finds no principal in things material. 
 The God who made the heavens and the earth so 
 
 dark, 
 O where is He, the mighty one who ruleth all, 
 Who gave the feeble eye that never Him beheld? 
 And if there be a God beyond the heavens blue. 
 Beyond the demon god, why does He not appear, 
 Not stand as if afraid in some deserted place? 
 Ah no, there is no God, for of my beauty dark 
 He would have been enamoured, to my tent come 
 
 down ! 
 In vain their pleading with me to believe and bow; 
 In their devotion but poor childishness I see. 
 O give to me the blood of human sacrifice, — 
 
 32 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 The god whom I have served and serveth until 
 death." 
 
 Then, with a dreadful cry, she moaned in frenzy 
 
 low, 
 As brighter shone the sun through misty morning 
 
 cloud. 
 Afar the sound of Indian voices came in praise: 
 "Hosanna! Hosanna ! the highest to our King; 
 To Thee in adoration gratefully we bring 
 Our hearts, in love, and all we have this Christmas 
 
 day. 
 O little One, look down and be our light and way." 
 The voices nearer came ; Olate, now in fear, 
 Drew back as shadows fly from sunlight hastily, 
 For in the distance a procession slowly came. 
 The smallest children first were holding tapers 
 
 bright 
 That lit with holy light the shadowed forest aisle; 
 Then other children, larger, robed in white, ad- 
 vanced 
 Within Olate's view as, crouching low, she lay 
 Enveloped in the gnarled shadows of the oak 
 And muttered curses dread and maledictions low. 
 
 Then maidens beautiful and youths with clasped 
 
 hands. 
 With eyes uplifted to the smiling, dreamy sky. 
 In dim and mystical procession came to view; 
 And warriors for their chieftain who had battles 
 
 won, 
 Together with their gentle, meek, and humble wives. 
 Advanced beneath the canopy of forest gloom 
 Before their aged ruler, Miccanope, who was 
 Supported by his gentle daughter's golden arm, 
 
 33 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 And Winnemoca, tall and strong and beautiful. 
 Sebastian came the last with white^ upraised hands. 
 Surrounded by the children bearing incense sweet, 
 And many golden torches leaping in the air. 
 With slow and solemn step they came in holy song 
 To purify the place of human sacrifice. 
 At length a pause was made where rose the scarlet 
 
 stone 
 Beside the marsh and gnarled tree, where close upon 
 The shadowed earth Olate lay in writhing fear. 
 
 When all the broken stone and places round about 
 Were purified with water and the censer's flame. 
 And mystic words pronounced to drive away all ill, 
 The dim procession moved, returning joyfully 
 Through brighter forest way into the holy church. 
 In silence leaving bloody place of sacrifice. 
 Olate viewed in consternation, shuddering. 
 The holy act, and when afar the mystic light 
 Had vanished in the doorway of the little church, 
 She rose and shrieked for dreadful vengeance to the 
 
 air: 
 Her unbound hair was wildly clutched by frenzied 
 
 hands, 
 In fear she gnashed her yellow and decaying teeth; 
 And in her dark and wrinkled countenance portrayed 
 The thoughts that tear the hearts of demons in de- 
 spair. 
 As, shrieking wildly, through the forest way she fled. 
 
 34 
 
VII 
 
 " O glorious King of Heaven to the earth come 
 
 down. 
 This day my failing eyes have seen Thy majesty 
 Unspeakable, in lovingkindness lowly veiled; 
 Unto the long desired celestial hunting ground 
 May I depart in peace from thee, my little one. 
 My daughter cease thy weeping, if it be for me;^ 
 For never since the world began, it seems, has joy 
 So thrilled my heart, transforming earth's dark way 
 
 to Heaven. 
 Is this the very sombre-covered bed where pain 
 Has racked so many times this feeble, aged frame? 
 Thou art the same, my faithful, loving child, I 
 
 know; 
 Thy face is fairer for the tears now gleaming there. 
 Is yonder smiling lake the very same that greets 
 In gloom my dim, half-seeing eyes at early morn? 
 O never did it seem so still and beautiful. 
 As though upon its tranquil surface angels bright 
 Ascended to the shores of gleaming paradise ! 
 
 " Thou canst not know, my little one, how all the 
 
 years 
 Of woe, and filled with bitter strife, the weight of 
 
 sin 
 And grief, a heavy load, have pressed me down to 
 
 death. 
 In darkest hours of the night I heard the cry. 
 The moans unearthly low, of warriors done to death 
 
 35 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 In many battles; saw their blood-stained ghostly- 
 hands 
 
 Arise in fearful night to drive away all rest; 
 
 And also came the wailing piteous of those 
 
 Bereaved by war's dread holocaust around them 
 flung. 
 
 They cried to me with hollow voices dread and low 
 
 And ever strove my wandering mind to overthrow; 
 
 But now the strong and hideous chain of black de- 
 spair 
 
 Is struck from withered wrist and all the blood is 
 gone. 
 
 So that my hands are white as newly fallen snow; 
 
 And from my dark and bitter life the clouds of 
 night 
 
 Have rose and left a peaceful, calm and shining 
 hour. 
 
 " For I have passed into the garden of the King, 
 And all the years since early childhood hours seem 
 But frightful vanished dreams, remembered far and 
 
 dim; 
 Their terrors are no more, for I am loosed from sin 
 By wondrous holy sacrament, from all the woe 
 Of misspent davs and crimes too horrible to tell. 
 I am a little child again, refined and pure, 
 And thou, my gentle, loving daughter bending down 
 O'er me in tenderness, art beautiful and fair. 
 How can I speak the joy, the wondrous blessing tell, 
 Wliich came to me this morn in yonder holy church? 
 For words can ne'er portray the jylories of the King 
 Whose sacred holy presence dwells imprisoned there ; 
 The God of earth and highest Heaven to man come 
 
 down 
 And in his midst to dwell — I could not understand 
 
 36 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Had I not felt it in this feeble heart, by love 
 And by the angels' hands prepared to meet its God." 
 
 The shadows of the winter evening slowly waned. 
 And with the fading light the newly shriven soul 
 Of Miccanope, old and fever wasted, rose 
 From earthly habitation, borne by angel hands 
 Afar across the tranquil willow-bordered lake. 
 Upward, beyond the golden gleaming evening star. 
 Upon the wasted earthly form a little hand 
 With gentlest touch was laid, and tearfully a voice 
 Murmured, " My father, art thou gone without a 
 
 word 
 Of parting to thy little one in darkness here? " 
 His heart, it beat no more. His feeble hands were 
 
 cold. 
 A holy calm o'erspread his furrowed brow. His 
 
 eyes 
 Were closed by unseen angel hands, and all was rest. 
 Save one black-robed and sobbing form that knelt 
 
 in woe. 
 And crying piteously, but not in vain, to Him 
 Who only knows the secret of the comforter. 
 
 At morn before the dawning ray a mournful train. 
 By torches lit and far off cold and morning star. 
 Wound in and out the forest ways to silent tomb. 
 Which rested on a mound, o'erhung by mournful 
 
 tree. 
 To rest beneath the sands the warrior was lain. 
 As voice of holy priest arose in solemn prayer 
 O'er silence of the earth which lay in mystic sleep: 
 Poor little creatures, dust to dust — O what are we 
 But changing dust whereon is writ the frightful woe 
 Of life, a time as fleeting as the shades of night! 
 
 37 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 And when the end is come^ what recompense the 
 
 store 
 Of earthly wealth, acquired by crime or otherwise ? — 
 For all things darkly flee away at death's approach^ 
 In judgment leaving us to stand before our God 
 Who gave us life that we might gain a higher goal. 
 
 38 
 
VIII 
 
 In coldness down upon the wind-swept wintry earth 
 Was shining drearily the inconstant moon of woe; 
 As by the cloudy, shaded, rippling waves of night, 
 In madness, broken-hearted, Winnemoca roamed. 
 For bitter grief and wounded love were raging wild 
 Within his youthful heart, now torn and desolate; 
 And up and down beside the gleaming tomb of one 
 Who long ago had stilled his feeble crying strode, — 
 Beside his mother's silent, unresponsive tomb 
 He wandered broken-hearted, weeping frenziedly: 
 " O dearest mother, darling mother, hear my cry ! 
 Unclose unto thy child the moonlit, silent tomb. 
 And let me rest beside thee in thy lowly bed 
 Forever, for my grievous burden bears me down! 
 O, listen to my pleading, hear my piteous cry. 
 As broken-hearted and forsaken, stormy, torn, 
 I cry incessantly, and, lying, would be still 
 Beside thee, silent, dead, forevermore at rest." 
 
 The wind with awful sound his only answer was. 
 As shrieking weirdly o'er the waters deep it went, 
 " O little Tuscawilla, darling one," he moaned, 
 " Forever and forever from me thou art gone. 
 No more upon the moonlit, dancing waters shall 
 We drift before the evening shadows fall in gloom 
 To gather lilies white the altar to adorn. 
 My red canoe is broken now and stranded lies; 
 So is my heart, and all seems drifting to an end, — 
 For thou wilt smile on me no more in dreary life. 
 
 39 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 And will the days when thou wast with me come no 
 
 more? 
 And shall I never hear thy laughing voice again? 
 Nor see the bonny smile that charmed away my woe? 
 O pale, inconstant moon, why mockest thou my 
 
 grief? 
 O night, thy dismal gloom cannot compare with that 
 Which rends my broken heart in frenzy pitiless. 
 
 "She smiles no more, her eyes are fixed on Heaven 
 
 far; 
 She listens but to him who came o'er lonely sea, 
 To pale, angelic stranger, white, mysterious; 
 And woe that I should bring the one to separate 
 From me my little, bonny bride forevermore, 
 Who leaveth me but breaking desolated heart. 
 Shall I, a warrior brave, give up my chosen one. 
 And, standing calmly, see her taken to the skies 
 By stranger delicate, and not so strong as I ? 
 No, no; for yon inconstant, silvery moon shall fall. 
 And all the stars shall flee to realms of darkest 
 
 night. 
 Before my life's one glorious light shall upward fly. 
 Deserting me to madness such as rends my heart. 
 O, let the heartless waters ripple over me. 
 And smile in rapture on the dreary, veiled moon. 
 While I in deeper darkness lying be at rest ! " 
 
 With look of agony to coldly gleaming sky. 
 
 Unto the dark and mournful lake he turned away, 
 
 As one distraught, for rest from earthly sorrow 
 
 deep; 
 But coming swiftly from the shadowed tomb below, 
 Olate clutched with fingers, ghostly pale and long. 
 The broken girdle of the love-bereaved youth, 
 
 40 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 His hasty action stayed, and from destruction saved. 
 She cried, in deep and hollow voice, echoing, " Live ! 
 For vengeance live, and speed thy feet unto the 
 
 north ; 
 For in the distance many miles reflected are 
 In fiery glow the camps — thy ancient enemy. 
 This night I have upon the bloody sky discerned 
 The smoke arising as the serpent's changing coil, 
 And have intelligence that far beyond the hills 
 Kanapahate comes to war upon thy race. 
 Divining that our chieftain lies beneath the sod. 
 
 " Unto his hostile camp, and in the darkness, haste. 
 Before the cold and mocking stars extinguished are ; 
 And when thou art before him bronght, in frenzy 
 
 teU 
 Of this pale face, the being strange, mysterious. 
 Who sways the trusting hearts of all thy foolish kin ; 
 And teaching them to bow before a heap of stone. 
 Which I have seen upraised from out the common 
 
 earth. 
 He bids them love the One who made the sky and 
 
 sea. 
 In substance of the maize and grapes that purple 
 
 grow ; 
 For have I not in scorn observed the maidens go 
 To gather in the field this fruit to sacrifice? 
 He by his incantations ever seeks to gain 
 O'er us dominion, and the wealth of forest land. 
 Recallest thou the olden prophecy that such 
 A race would come with sword to drive us from the 
 
 earth. 
 Abolishing the freedom of the bloody rite? 
 
 " Thy god and mine is not a cringing god of peace; 
 
 41 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 For human sacrifice and torture of the young 
 
 He cries, for battle, murder, crime and sudden death; 
 
 And, lo! he cries to thee, before it be too late. 
 
 Thy country to avenge. Depart at once, and let 
 
 Thy heart be strong. Kanapahate supplicate 
 
 To come and take as gift for yearly sacrifice 
 
 The stranger pale and all the golden vessels bright 
 
 That standeth on the altar of the temple high. 
 
 Erected by the hands of fools and simpletons; 
 
 For Miccanope's gone, deluded by a spell, 
 
 Thy master's dead, and thou the chief from all elect. 
 
 Remember, 'tis the only way to gain thy bride. 
 
 Thy little one so well beloved. So begone. 
 
 And let thy every thought be fixed on ways to gain 
 
 Revenge for thy deep wrong that's unendurable." 
 
 Distraught by frightful grief, all things before the 
 
 youth 
 Appeared in crimson as a glowing sea of blood; 
 As in the distance raging waters flowing heard 
 date's strife inspiring voice, discordant, hoarse. 
 And saw, it seemed, above her gloating, hideous, 
 A dreadful demon with a scarred and bloated face; 
 The bat-like wings extended terrorized his heart 
 As from Olate wicked he departing ran. 
 She was a frightful thing, with that o'ershading 
 
 linked 
 In deep malignity, and loudly shrieked above 
 The air a witch's curse and malediction dread, 
 Against all holy things, and fair, above, below; 
 She was a fury by the frenzied devils torn, 
 Who clawed her heart in paroxysms of their hate, 
 And changed her countenance to hideous, wrinkled 
 
 scroll. 
 
 42 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 In frenzied haste through forest path, in gloom and 
 
 woe. 
 Ran Winnemoca by the demons dread pursued. 
 His heart so rent by anguish deep that it arose 
 And overthrew the power of intelligence 
 Awhile, and broke with fury chain of anger red. 
 As blood that flowed in dark, tempestuous despair; 
 And to his haunted, demon-usurped mind it seemed 
 As if the Last Day's woeful ending dark had come; 
 And all his raging thoughts were uncontrolled, but 
 
 fixed 
 On one unfailing aim, inspired by Satan's mind. 
 As on through thicket dense and darkly covered 
 
 marsh 
 The way led far into the weirdly moonlit night. 
 O'er all oppressive, dismal silence held a sway. 
 Unbroken, save where rose the panther's wailing 
 
 shriek. 
 Which seemed to fainter grow at each successive 
 
 cry. 
 
 At length, within a gloomy, haunted wood 
 Kanapahate's ghastly presence darkly burned, 
 Obscured by a throng of tall and moaning pines. 
 In stealth, from shade to shade of dim, unguarded 
 
 tree. 
 The youth in terror crept, until his startled sight 
 Upon a scene by demon-mind suggested fell. 
 No cruel torture red of Hades' cauldron deep 
 Could equal that of captured warrior strongly bound 
 By thong that severed deep his golden, youthful flesh 
 To painted stake. Around the scarlet glowing fire 
 In hideous dance inhuman forms went whirling 
 
 round. 
 The painted warriors dark in widening circles lay, 
 43 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Whose evil faces gleamed in dread expectancy 
 Of satiating, bloody torture soon to come. 
 As coiled adders lying in a sensuous heap 
 Their ghastly eyes were gleaming cold and heart- 
 lessly. 
 
 One lay apart, more dark and terrible than all, — 
 
 Kanapahate, mighty chieftain and renovmed, 
 
 The enemy of those who dwell in amity. 
 
 Who as a wolf that wanders through the forest lone 
 
 Seeketh his prey amongst inhabitants of peace. 
 
 In darkness gleamed his eyes that seemed but made 
 
 to gloat 
 O'er bloody, conquered field of mortal pain and woe. 
 And on his face was writ the loathsomeness of death. 
 'Twas whispered that at deepest night, when all was 
 
 still. 
 Uncanny creatures rose from marshes low and foul. 
 Whose faces with a horror frightened those who 
 
 saw 
 Them settle down as ravens round the warrior. 
 And hold a dialogue, mysterious and dread. 
 To him ran Winnemoca from the shadows dim 
 And fell on bended knee in cringing posture low. 
 So mortals e'er betray when driven by the hand 
 Of demon in the rage of venomous despair. 
 
 Increasing burned the flames of torture high and 
 
 high 
 Around the suffering prisoner, who murmured not. 
 But turned appealing eyes to star that faintly 
 
 gleamed. 
 In wordless prayer. Excruciating agony 
 Had wrapped him as a cloud in torture deep and 
 
 red. 
 As brighter glowed the hungry flames, in scorn arose 
 Kanapahate, wrenching angrily a chain 
 
 44. 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Of holy beads whereon a tiny cross of pearl 
 In silence gleamed and radiant as the light of star 
 That burned so dimly clear in beauty far away. 
 From off the girdle of the youth who trembling stood 
 In fear, and flung it mockingly into the fire. 
 With curses deep, but in its flight it gently caught 
 Upon the scorched arm of him who suffered there. 
 " To fools, and such as yonder burn, let this be 
 
 thrown ; 
 But thou shouldst bear the warrior's bow and tom.a- 
 
 hawk 
 And not these women's foolish baubles, full of fear. 
 Now let their substance by the willing flames con- 
 sumed 
 Uprise exultant over thy renouncement brave; 
 •My arm thy cause shall champion and give to thee 
 The just reward, — the prominence thou dost de- 
 serve." 
 
 The cruel thongs of prisoner in torture bound 
 
 At length by writhing flame were partty loosed, and 
 
 he 
 A scorched arm extended for the holy chain, 
 And, lifting up the little cross, he gazed in joy 
 Upon the suffering form of one suspended there: 
 " O God, this consolation I have not deserved ! 
 In frightful agony I cry to Thee on high. 
 My prayers heed, and show Thy face divine to me; 
 Look down in tender mercy on thy tortured child. 
 Have mercy, O my God, have mercy upon me! 
 This torture is unending and unbearable ! 
 Accept my pain and woe in reparation deep 
 For all the wrong against Thee ever I've commit, 
 And, when this life is ended, let Thy angels bear 
 My soul to that fair land where tortures are no 
 
 more I '* 
 
 45 
 
i IX 
 
 In highest Heaven, by an azure gleaming sea 
 Supremest throne reflecting radiantly bright, 
 A calm, delightful shore and fair to look upon 
 Arose within the peaceful light of mercy's throne; 
 Where grew majestic trees that blooming ever white 
 Exalted to the sight their spotless purity; 
 And amaranthine gardens covered o'er with bowers, 
 The fragrant flowers falling touched the olive green 
 Of sweet pastoral hill, which, sloping down to sea 
 In pleasant manner, kissed the waters flowing there; 
 And where the merry aspen leaves upon the air 
 Which blew in early morn in silvery splendor danced, 
 The sweetest music charmed an angel's listening ear. 
 Who, far through changing light and screen of 
 
 aspen leaves. 
 In stately avenue of graceful cedars tall, 
 Discerned a snowy temple standing far above, 
 In golden glow of God, mysterious, adored. 
 There gleaming, pearly steps uprose to arched stair. 
 And beauteous angels, passing in and out, appeared 
 As chaste and lovely as magnolia flowers sweet. 
 
 In haste, St. Michael, glorious prince of heavenly 
 
 hosts. 
 Appeared upon the peaceful scene, and up the way. 
 To dim, terrestrial gleaming throne of Paradise, 
 Advanced in splendor, golden as the morning light. 
 Within the stately hall were columns numberless 
 And glowing white that formed majestic corridors 
 
 46 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 And stately passageways to radiant lighted court. 
 To which, through shining aisles and over golden 
 
 floor. 
 The white-robed great archangel moved silently. 
 Until at length he paused at entrance of the court. 
 Around which glowed by two the snowy columns 
 
 tall 
 That carved from pearl were decorated splendidly. 
 Within the spacious court a crystal fountain white 
 Was playing in the golden glow which streamed 
 
 down 
 In mystic holy light from higher court above. 
 His face so fair was troubled, and his tender eyes 
 A look of newborn sorrow bore in tearful light; 
 But in his movements was the confidence of that 
 Authority supreme all evils to adjust. 
 
 Beyond the fountain shone a throne of amethyst, 
 Which lit by tapers such as burn on altars high 
 Of earth was full of golden splendor from above. 
 Upon its' azure stair a gentle Lady stood 
 Who listened to the harps of seraphim below. 
 Her face was fair and holy as the light of morn 
 That comes in perfect peace o'er heart of penitent. 
 Beyond the night of woe, of terror and remorse. 
 Her long white robe was bound with simple golden 
 
 band 
 As chaste and pure as stars that gleam on holy 
 
 night. 
 And in her lovely hands a rosary of pearls 
 Was clasped tenderly in prayer of mother love. 
 Containing tears of mortals shed in grief below. 
 She smiled as mothers smile upon their little ones 
 Who feel a parent's shelter kind and loving in 
 The time of peril dread or when the heart is torn; 
 47 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 And all who felt the radiance of her holy smile 
 Bowed low in reverence, seraphic and divine. 
 
 In holy peace and calm her dark pure violet eyes 
 Beheld in joy the portal's gleaming column white 
 Where glorious the prince of heavenly hosts ap- 
 peared. 
 Advancing, now he waved aside the seraphim 
 And stood before the gentle Queen of Paradise. 
 With loving genuflection, bowing low, he said: 
 " My Queen, I bring to thee a message from below. 
 From that far, dismal land of dark, o'erburdened 
 
 earth, 
 From which the adoration of Sebastian comes, — 
 And others lately ruled by angel of the night. 
 Dark Ophiel, who has in Satan's dread employ 
 Become indifferent, because of love for him 
 By whose good work strange mortals have been 
 
 brought to God. 
 And Him in simple manner daily glorify 
 Below. All this is known; but far more serious 
 The import that brings me here; for rising even 
 
 now 
 The swift destruction dreadful Satan contemplates 
 Of those who have thy intercession deep implored. 
 
 She turning with the seraph moved silently 
 Across the heavenly court and snowy marble stair 
 Into a garden small, where hid by olive trees 
 A little cottage stood, surrounded by the flowers 
 That grew at Nazareth so many years ago. 
 There was the simple door as once it calmly stood 
 In narrow street that led into the market place, 
 The little entrance where the Lord of Heaven stood' 
 A pretty child and subject to His mother sweet. 
 
 48 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 There in the garden fair the fragrant roses grew 
 
 About a rustic arbor rudely formed to shield 
 
 A sparkling crystal fountain from the noonday light. 
 
 The same sweet roses hung upon a balcony 
 
 Above, and grew about a garden seat below; 
 
 And over all descending shone a golden light 
 
 From unseen court above which gave a perfect joy. 
 
 Awhile the Blessed Lady stood in silence deep, ' 
 Then to the waiting seraph spoke mysteriously: 
 " Resist thou not, but with thy legions go at once 
 And gently bear to me each martyred precious soul 
 As loosed from bondage by malicious hand of ill. 
 In time prepared to meet its God omnipotent; 
 But let no harm befall the sacred, earthly mould 
 Of that fair Indian maid who daily cries to me: 
 And if perchance thou comest near dark Ophiel, 
 Whom I have never seen, but who was beautiful, — 
 If he is penitent because of havoc wrought 
 By evil hands, and mourn for children of the soil. 
 Bid him renounce his master, crying unto God 
 For mercy; for a broken and a contrite heart 
 He will not cast aside, despite its bitterness. 
 Then open thou the way for such as him prepared. 
 And bid him swiftly enter, casting out all fear." 
 
 With one low reverence St. Michael disappeared. 
 And God's sweet gentle mother rested for awhile 
 Upon the rustic seat o'ergrown with fragrant 
 
 flowers ; 
 When presently upon the marble stair arose 
 A seraph beautiful with shining harp of gold. 
 Who sang a hymn of earth. His glorious counte- 
 nance 
 Resembled lily, white and chaste and beautiful, 
 49 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Which gleams in purple-tinted crimson sunset glow. 
 Dark, beauteous eyes that burned as pure mysterious 
 
 flames 
 Star-sweet before an altar of the most high God, 
 Where glorious angels serve in sacrificial rite, 
 Seraphic eyes, resembling sunset's changing stars, 
 And crimson tinted lips that veiled as ruby clouds 
 The realm where snowy flowers bloom in purity 
 To deck high altars of the lord of paradise; 
 The eyes whose changing beauty welcomed from 
 
 afar 
 The martyred souls of earth to realm of beauty 
 
 bright. 
 
 50 
 
Before a quiet altar, burning solemnly, 
 In gloom arose a scarlet flame mysterious. 
 As star of old, the faithful guiding to the East, 
 To where a Sovereign new-born in beauty lay. 
 Supported in His mother's arms, immaculate. 
 Sebastian knelt beneath the holy flame which shone 
 In beauty down upon the altar, now complete. 
 With palms and winter flowers scarlet glowing 
 
 decked ; 
 And ever coldly gleaming on his solemn form 
 Through high and arched window shone the wintry 
 
 moon 
 O'er all inconstant with a dreary light and dim. 
 Above the flower decorated altar hung 
 In golden majesty Sebastian's crucifix. 
 Reflecting pure and holy light that shone below. 
 Within the little church was calm and holiness; 
 Without, the winter wind was howling frightfully. 
 As many demons raving in the stormy air. 
 
 The holy priest upraised his voice in fervent prayer: 
 ** Here have I rested for awhile, O my great God, 
 In serving Thee, my gracious Saviour, I have done 
 Thy holy will, I trust, in all, and faithfully. 
 Thy children now are all converted to Thy love; 
 This place, which once was dreary wilderness to me. 
 Now seems a paradise, with Thee in love adored. 
 I am Thy child, to do Thy will forevermore. 
 O, let me help Thee bear the burdens heaviest, 
 
 51 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Thy painful, secret, darkest sorrows undergo! — 
 And, trusting not to faint nor fall, with Thee to 
 
 guide. 
 Command of me Thy will and it shall be observed 
 Unto the best of my ability, if Thou 
 Be near to lend a helping hand in case I fall. 
 Beloved One, the joy of all my heart, my all, — 
 If I could die for Thee my life would be complete; 
 To Thee I give my all: do with me as Thou wilt." 
 
 In raptured prayer Sebastian knelt oblivious to 
 
 The furious wind that wildly shrieked about the 
 
 church. 
 The sun had, going dovm into a sea of flame 
 Within the weirdly shining west, descended late 
 Through tall majestic trees which dark, as columns 
 
 stood. 
 As though portending dire and terrible event 
 In bloody consternation o'er the earth to fall; 
 Yet faintly shone the raging fires enkindled there. 
 And high in storm-racked sky the coldly gleaming 
 
 moon 
 Shone down on wigwams closed securely for the 
 
 night. 
 No wonted camp-fire burned amid the solemn pines. 
 Nor dusky forms were moving at the night's advent. 
 For every Indian, in sorrow and in gloom. 
 Was mourning for the buried chieftain, well beloved. 
 Who never more would lead his soldiers to the war. 
 Nor gently speak of life and death and holy church. 
 In gloom and tent the greatest Tuscawilla lay 
 Alone and broken-hearted, mourning for her lord. 
 
 A gust of wind in fearful terror, sudden, blew 
 From out adjacent forest weird and dimly seen; 
 
 52 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 As if upon its unseen current darkly borne 
 
 Two mortal forms came prowling through the 
 
 furious night: 
 One seemed to hesitate, in piteous agony. 
 And raised a tearful face toward the stormy sky: 
 'Twas Winnemoca, wildly terrified and filled 
 With horror for his evil action, and remorse, 
 In stealth his dark companion guiding to its prey. 
 The other's savage features gleamed in fitful light 
 Of weird and partly hidden ray of ghastly moon, — 
 Kanapahate, servant of the Evil One. 
 With dread, contorted face he frowned mockingly 
 Upon the terror-stricken youth, and laid a hand 
 As black as hidden shadows of the deepest night 
 Upon his trembling form, in threatening attitude. 
 He pulled from sheath of serpent hide a tomahawk, 
 And muttered low as distant thunders ominous. 
 
 At length, as wicked thieves at night, they slowly 
 paused 
 
 Beneath the window rudely made, through which the 
 moon 
 
 Was gleaming down; but cringing, shrank as if from 
 blow, 
 
 At holy sight of white, uplifted countenance. 
 
 *' Defenceless here thy captive is," one hoarsely cried. 
 
 In sobbing voice distraught, and low, which seemed 
 a tone 
 
 Of bitter night's tempestuous and wild despair; 
 
 " Advance and bind him, take the golden vessels all ; 
 
 Depart before the coming of the winter morn, 
 
 That none may know the woeful fate that him be- 
 fell." 
 
 In tones so deep and hoarse they seemed the wind's 
 reply, 
 
 53 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Kanapahate spoke as demon in a rage: 
 " Thou Fool of Sin, to think that I should be content 
 With yonder petty gold and puny kneeling one, 
 For all shall satisfy the spear and tomahawk. 
 And none shall live but Tuscawilla, at the dawn, 
 For she so beautiful my slave shall ever be." 
 
 With dreadful cry and speechless, Winnemoca leaned 
 Against the cold and stony, unresponsive wall; 
 Kanapahate, saw with fiendish smile and slow. 
 From out his scarlet colored sheath a poisoned dart 
 Release, and, with an evil, burning eye, upraise 
 And poise it with a careful aim, in scarred hand. 
 For words to cry a warning to the innocent 
 And unsuspecting one in adoration bent! 
 The very air so loudly crying seemed to pause 
 In horror of the darkly contemplated deed; 
 But, lo! before the venomed instrument had sped 
 From murderous hand, a frightful spirit form arose 
 From out the night, protecting arms extending o'er. 
 Its face was wrung by sufferings dark and terrible, 
 And in its eyes a look of piteous terror burned; 
 With ill contending for the mortal one it seemed. 
 But 'twas too late; the dart had sped, the deed was 
 
 done. 
 And hideously warring elements resumed 
 The battle diabolic in the shrieking air. 
 
 Departing, Winnemoca ran in agony 
 
 Bewailing, through the stormy night: ** My God, 
 
 forgive 
 What I have done this night, forgive my treacherous 
 
 deed. 
 For I was mad with grief and knew not what I did; 
 Forgive my ignorance, and look in mercy dowHj 
 
 54 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 In mercy down on me. Have pity, O my God, 
 Have pity on thy cliild! Forgive my loathsome 
 
 crime ! 
 Thou hearest me not, and I, upon the brink of Hell, 
 See everlasting fire that rages close at hand. 
 To torture wicked souls. O, help; for now I fall — 
 Sweet Mother of my God, thou Lady pure and fair. 
 In pity help ! for never yet have I to thee 
 Implored in vain ! O, save me from a sinful death ! 
 In mercy now I feel protecting light around. 
 And darkly flee the evil, unseen torturers. 
 From death deliver me, and I will give my life 
 To thee forever, only save me from the night." 
 
 In gloomy tent where burned a low and flickering 
 
 light. 
 In moaning supplication, Tuscawilla knelt 
 For one who late had passed the bounds of life and 
 
 death. 
 In snowy robe with girdle bound, she turned her 
 
 eyes. 
 With weeping vigils scarce unbroken, sad and dark. 
 Upon intruding one, unceremoniously. 
 Who, entering, wildly flung himself upon the ground 
 Prostrate, then slowly rose and gasped: "He has 
 
 been slain. 
 O, come and see what I have done! O, traitor's 
 
 deed! 
 Kanapahate's demon hand has struck him down to 
 
 death. 
 By me betrayed into his wicked, bloody hand; 
 And even now he crouches as a panther wild. 
 To spring upon its prey. By fire and tomahawk 
 This night are lost all those who will not turn from 
 
 God." 
 
 55 
 
O P H I E L 
 
 Amazed and speechless, Tuscawilla rose and sped 
 In darkness, thinking only of the dying one. 
 
 With hasty genuflection entering, she saw 
 
 The mystic, holy flame yet burning peacefully. 
 
 Sebastian lay with loving eyes fixed tenderly 
 
 On crucifix above, so calm and beautiful; 
 
 No torturing pain his solemn outstretched form had 
 
 racked ; 
 But, silently and white, he lay as bruised flower; 
 And, bending down, the maiden heard him whisper 
 
 low: 
 " My daughter, bring to me the Holy Mystery, 
 Imprisoned in the altar's tabernacle high. 
 Misguided demon hands must not defile my God." 
 With care and tenderly obeyed the virgin maid. 
 While Winnemoca bowed in agony and fear: 
 " Forgive me, father, for the evil I have done ; 
 Into the hands of ancient enemy this night 
 Have I betrayed my countrymen and caused thy 
 
 death ; 
 Destruction swift encompasseth thy little flock." 
 
 As heavenly music to the dying ear, replied 
 Sebastian tenderly : " My son, God knows thy 
 
 heart. 
 And I forgive thee if thou'rt truly penitent ; " 
 Then partly rose, the blood descending from his 
 
 heart. 
 Removed from sacred chalice, held by kneeling maid. 
 The priceless gift of God to undeserving man. 
 Consuming which he sank upon the altar stair, 
 By weakness overcome, expiring peacefully. 
 But O what sounds arose above the howling wind! 
 What piteous cries ascending cleaved the bitter sky: 
 
 56 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 " O God, the foe is come, the wolves are in thy 
 
 flock! 
 Now help thy unprotected ! Let Thy mercy fall 
 On those who trust in Thee ! " The frantic cries 
 
 ascend : 
 " For, gracious God, in Thee we trusted, — save us 
 
 now." 
 Thus fleeing to the house of God, they wildly came. 
 And found before the silent, empty altar white 
 Sebastian lying still and cold, and peaceful quite. 
 
 The wild and dreadful wind was shrieking fright- 
 
 fully. 
 As many howling demons in the air that cry 
 Ubsatiated, for the blood of innocents; 
 But o'er the elements uprose the hideous cry 
 Of many Indian warriors, seeking for their prey; 
 And at its sound increasing, Tuscawilla rose. 
 Upon the altar stair above the silent one. 
 And stood before the terror-stricken throng with 
 
 cry: 
 " My people, courage ! God is guiding with His 
 
 hand; 
 He'll not forsake us now in dire necessity. 
 Let all before His altar kneel; their wailing cease; 
 Their souls to Him who gave them life now rec- 
 ommend ; 
 For God is near. I hear His holy, solemn voice 
 A welcome bidding to His mansions in the sky. 
 He early calls you home. Be not afraid to go; 
 But lift no hand, unarmed and helpless as thou art. 
 For unavailing would it fall. Rely on God. 
 
 " Behold, through yonder doorway flames are leap- 
 ing red 
 
 57 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 And wildly blown tempestuous^ fearful winds of 
 
 night. 
 Lo, by the enemies our homes in ruin are laid! 
 Almighty God, protect, avenge the innocent, 
 And save Thy faithful from the power of the dogs ! " 
 As louder roared the storm, ere long the wooden door. 
 Unbarred, and held by Winnemoca's youthful arm. 
 Gave way before the rush of many trampling feet; 
 But, for a moment, in the way the brave youth stood, 
 As if to shield with flesh and blood the faithful 
 
 throng. 
 His holy face was wondrous, calm and beautiful. 
 Like those released from chains of hideous punish- 
 ment. 
 To death swiftly he fell by bloody tomahawk. 
 Expiring on the threshold of the little church. 
 Then cry on cry arose to God from faithful lips. 
 With curses mingled of the frenzied murderers. 
 
 Unseen, above the altar Ophiel had stood 
 And calmly down upon the scene in sorrow gazed. 
 As one who sees on mournful Autumn day the leaves 
 From swaying branches by the heartless wind de- 
 tached 
 And down upon the saddened earth in fury cast. 
 As one by one he marked the faithful swiftly slain. 
 He saw above the murderers a ghastly throng 
 Of hovering forms resembling his, that seemed to 
 
 guide, 
 With hideous demon hands, the bloody tomahawks. 
 At last before the altar Tuscawilla lay 
 Unmurdered only of the throng, prostrate and low. 
 With dreadful face, Kanapahate, foremost, paused 
 And laid his bloody hands upon her virgin form, 
 
 5S 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 Who though no murderous hand or cruel stone had 
 
 touched 
 Was lifeless, and in wonder Ophiel had seen 
 Her soul upborne by angel hands amongst the slain. 
 
 But now before him stood the enemy of God, 
 
 In scorn, deliberation, Satan pausing there: 
 
 " Why art thou here ? " he thundered, fierce and 
 
 ominous, 
 " Why dost in battle idly stand and seem to guard 
 The dwelling-place of Him who authorized my ruin. 
 No other hand this night opposes me but thine; 
 Wherefore begone, to darkest suffering place in 
 
 HeU, 
 To burn until this mighty hand shall choose to free." 
 " Thou, Satan," Ophiel replied disdainfully, 
 " This night thy cruel hand has slain the only one 
 Who ever prayed for me on earth, and whom I loved ; 
 Who, through the endless dreary years so filled with 
 
 strife. 
 Since I with thee was cast headlong from Paradise, 
 Has been the only mortal one who plead with me 
 From thine allegiance, terrible, to change. 
 And serve again the One who loved me long ago. 
 
 " For me a hope he has advanced like morning star 
 Which darkly gleams in far off, dread and blood red 
 
 sky: 
 Behold this cross of gold and flee, for God is near, — 
 Thy work is done, for thee my battles are no more." 
 At this, with angry cry, the demon shrank and fled 
 With horde of warriors, mortal and demoniac. 
 One instant pausing an inconstant flame to light 
 By dread Kanapahate's hand that, soon increasing 
 
 red^ 
 
 59 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 In swift destruction wrapped with deep and lurid fire 
 The little holy church by loving hands upreared; 
 The flaming roof and crumbling walls were one by 
 
 one 
 Cast on the lifeless and the bloody forms below, 
 Consuming martyred flesh and blood of holy ones 
 As thirsty rays of noonday sun through golden mist 
 On radiant blue and smiling tropic lake descend. 
 
 In crumbling ruin the holy altar partly fell 
 And buried with its heaping stones Sebastian's form 
 Of clay and also Indian maiden's lying near; 
 But still the golden cross on highest stone stood firm. 
 Remaining thus for many swiftly passing years, 
 A gleaming monument to those who earthly lay 
 In ashes dark beneath, unscattered by the wind. 
 Consuming, blown, the wild and diabolic flames 
 Ran up the ancient, tall, majestic tree of pine. 
 Which, bending low in terror of the frenzied wind. 
 In human and heartbroken agony had groaned. 
 Soon branch and heart consumed by red and 
 
 ravenous flame 
 With mighty crash it fell and lay on smouldering 
 
 ruin. 
 Expiring with those mortals where it long had lived. 
 At dawn, when bloody sun arose o'er smoking scene, 
 In silence all and chilly atmosphere of death. 
 
 60 
 
XI 
 
 " Alone save for the distant tranquil stars above. 
 And cold white mockery of dark mysterious moon ; 
 Below, the speechless horror of the mortal dead 
 Yet smouldering in the ruin of Satan's demon horde. 
 Why do the waters of the lily-bordered lake 
 Reflect so peacefully the grandeur of the skies 
 When slowly creeping down to mingle with its flood 
 A stream of red issues from smouldering pyre above ? 
 Alone — how often have I taunted him who lies 
 Bene^h the heavy fallen stone and ashes here, 
 With that unwelcome thought in dismal meaning 
 
 clothed, 
 And watched the mournful shadows fall unbidden on 
 His white and holy face; then, flee unwillingly. 
 As swiftly o'er his brow and lips and tender heart 
 A holy sign was made in trusting confidence; 
 And murmuring, gently said : * How can I be alone 
 When God is ever near to love and bless His child/ 
 
 " Alone save for the mournful wind among the trees 
 That lately blew in storm, but almost silent now! 
 Is this the place so calm where many mortals dwelt? 
 Where but this night the dark and cruel fiends below 
 Unchecked rained their fury on the innocent? 
 Now all are gone, and I am fallen, desolate, 
 And seek in vain for those I love among the dead. 
 O, days forever vanished now, come back again! 
 Could I but see the fair white face of him I loved 
 As I saw him smiling sweetly, for me praying 
 
 61 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 While I his ruin each fleeting moment strove to gain ! 
 
 Why do I linger here alone where little ones 
 
 Of earth so quietly lived and bravely fought and 
 
 died? 
 Below for me vile Satan's banquet hall prepared 
 And demons gathered for the feast of torture are 
 In dread impatience waiting for their victim here. 
 
 " How can I serve the one who this destruction 
 
 wrought ? 
 Or bow before that dark, unhappy, heartless one 
 Who tortured down to death the little ones I loved, 
 But knew it not until they all have gone afar? — 
 Forever gone to blissful state beyond the skies. 
 O, once I dwelt in stately halls of purity! 
 And now to them again my heart is turning strong, 
 For those were joyous days, when He who made me 
 
 smiled. 
 And I, in radiant glory, dwelt His little child. 
 Sometimes with him whose earthly form lies still 
 
 below 
 I caught the joyous echo of those mansions fair. 
 O little one, who pitying loved and prayed for me. 
 Whose swift and fleeting life I strove in vain to 
 
 wreck, 
 I'll follow thee: O God, Whom I rebelled against, 
 Ages before the earth was morning star, I come: 
 Can Thy forgiving mercy fall on such a one? 
 
 " I hear from realms below the cries of Satan now. 
 Tempestuous as storm's hoarse voice on rock-bound 
 
 shore. 
 My God, I fly to Thee; accept my penitence. 
 Dread Satan's servitude forever I renounce. 
 Henceforth all Thine to be, such penance to endure 
 
 62 
 
OPHIEL 
 
 As will induce Thy clemency to grant release 
 From this regretted state, too late from which I 
 
 wake. 
 Am I then less than earth-born children who rebel 
 And through their sufferings are restored to Thee, 
 
 forgiven ? 
 Is there no hope for those who burn in deepest Hell, 
 Who lift their broken cries in agony to Thee, 
 Enduring through the ages countless punishments 
 Awaiting those who sin. Thy holy will transgress? 
 O, let me enter in the way prepared for such as I! 
 The worst which might befall will be but gain to me, 
 If at the end I see Thy beauteous face again." 
 
 63 
 
JUL 31 ,^SIH 
 
One copy del. to Cat. Div. 
 
 JliJ ?1 i9rf